5 Super Athletes With Ties To Barrow

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Barrow 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. Drake Bernstein (Tennis)

Drake Bernstein left a lasting legacy as a tennis star at Winder-Barrow High School and has since risen to prominence in collegiate coaching. As a high school athlete, Bernstein compiled an extraordinary 82-1 record and led the Winder-Barrow Bulldoggs to their first state tournament appearances. He continued his success at the University of Georgia, contributing to the Georgia Bulldogs’ 2008 national championship team and achieving 196 combined wins. Bernstein has spent over a decade coaching Georgia’s women’s tennis program, helping the team secure multiple SEC and NCAA championships. Promoted to head coach in 2023, Bernstein remains dedicated to fostering a family atmosphere and inspiring future champions.

2. Chellia Watson (Basketball)

Chellia Watson, a Winder-Barrow High School alum, has excelled in collegiate basketball with standout performances. During her first season with Buffalo, she started all 33 games and ranked fourth nationally in scoring with 23 points per game, earning All-America Honorable Mention and First Team All-MAC honors. Watson set records, including a 47-point game and multiple double-doubles, showcasing her scoring versatility. A former Athens Banner-Herald Co-Player of the Year, Watson has continued to make her hometown proud with her dynamic skills and leadership on the court.

3. Olivia Nelson-Ododa (Basketball)

Olivia Nelson-Ododa, also a Winder-Barrow High School graduate, has achieved national recognition in basketball. Named a McDonald’s All-American in high school, she committed to UConn, where she earned All-Big East honors and helped lead the team to multiple NCAA tournaments. Drafted by the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks and later traded to the Connecticut Sun, Nelson-Ododa has also played overseas in China and Australia.

4. Rico Mack (Football)

Rico Mack, a former Winder-Barrow High School standout, made his mark as a linebacker at Appalachian State University before embarking on a diverse professional football career. Mack played in the NFL, NFL Europe and Arena Football League, excelling as a team leader and defensive force. He led NFL Europe in tackles during his time with the Amsterdam Admirals and contributed on special teams for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

5. Chandon Sullivan (Football)

Chandon Sullivan, another Winder-Barrow High School alum, has built an impressive career as a professional football cornerback. At Georgia State University, he set school records in interceptions and pass breakups while becoming the program’s first Academic All-American. Signed as an undrafted free agent, Sullivan played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings before joining the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023. His accomplishments earned him a spot in the Winder-Barrow High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2020.

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