5 Super Athletes With Ties To Scotts Valley

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Scotts Valley area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments continue to inspire.

Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to spotlight five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on our community. While this list is just a snapshot, there are countless others who have helped shape the rich sports culture in our area.

1. Dominique Parrish (Wrestling)

Dominique Parrish, a Scotts Valley native, has made waves in international wrestling. She first made a name for herself at Scotts Valley High School, later continuing to wrestle at Simon Fraser University. After multiple impressive matches across the globe, Parrish secured gold in the women's 53 kg event at both the 2022 World Wrestling Championships and the Pan American Wrestling Championships. She went on to represent the United States at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, earning her spot through the U.S. Olympic trials.

2. Shane Carle (Baseball)

Shane Carle, a graduate of Scotts Valley High School, enjoyed a professional baseball career that included stints with the Colorado Rockies and Atlanta Braves. Drafted in 2013 by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Carle climbed through the ranks, making his MLB debut in 2017. Known for his reliability on the mound, Carle contributed to the Braves’ bullpen and earned his first major league victory in 2018.

3. Reggie Stephens (Football)

Reggie Stephens, a respected football coach and former NFL star, has become a pillar of the Scotts Valley community. After a standout high school career at Santa Cruz High School and collegiate career at Rutgers University, Stephens played professionally as a cornerback, including five seasons with the New York Giants, where he contributed to their run to Super Bowl XXXV. Following his NFL career, Stephens founded the Reggie Stephens Foundation to mentor and train young athletes, focusing on life lessons and opportunities in sports and beyond. His impact as a coach and community leader earned him induction into the Scotts Valley Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024, cementing his legacy as a guiding force for future generations.

4. Danica Kelley (Wrestling)

Danica Kelley, a recent Scotts Valley High School graduate, made history by winning the 135-pound title at the California Interscholastic Federation State Wrestling Championships, becoming only the second female in Santa Cruz County to achieve this feat. Coached by Scotts Valley alum Nick Reyes, Kelley demonstrated resilience and composure, overcoming tough matches to secure her championship. Now attending Menlo College, Kelley’s success has set a new standard for young wrestlers in the region.

5. Blake LaRiviere (Baseball)

Blake LaRiviere, a 2024 Scotts Valley High graduate, capped his senior year as the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League's Most Valuable Player. A dominant pitcher and first baseman, he recorded a 2.36 ERA and 53 strikeouts while excelling at the plate with a .329 batting average. LaRiviere’s dedication to refining his skills through rigorous training paid off, earning him recognition as the team leader and a key player in the Falcons’ success.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.