5 Super Athletes With Ties To Gwinnett

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Gwinnett 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. Brittany Rogers (Softball)

Dacula native Brittany Rogers was a standout softball player at the University of Alabama, where she became a four-time All-American and helped lead the Crimson Tide to multiple Women's College World Series appearances. Known for her speed and consistency, she finished her collegiate career as Alabama’s all-time leader in stolen bases while ranking among the top in batting average, runs and hits. Rogers also played for the U.S. national team, winning gold at the Japan Cup in 2009. Beyond the field, she was recognized for her academic and leadership achievements, earning an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship and being named a finalist for the prestigious NCAA Woman of the Year award.

2. Kirubel Erassa (Track)

A Grayson High School graduate, Kirubel Erassa made his mark in distance running before joining Oklahoma State, where he became a seven-time All-American and a Big 12 Conference champion. He won the NCAA Division I runner-up title in the 3,000-meter race in 2014 and played a key role in Oklahoma State’s cross-country national championship. After college, Erassa returned to Georgia to compete professionally with Atlanta Track Club Elite, representing the club in local and national races while mentoring younger runners.

3. Elexa Bahr (Soccer)

Hailing from Buford, Elexa Bahr has built an impressive soccer career, from starring at the University of South Carolina to playing professionally in Spain and Colombia. She made her NWSL debut with Racing Louisville FC, becoming the first player in eight years to score a goal and assist in her league debut. Bahr has also represented Colombia’s national team, competing in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2022 Copa América Femenina. With her versatility as a forward and attacking midfielder, she continues to make a name for herself on the international stage.

4. Devin Vassell (Basketball)

Suwanee native Devin Vassell was a standout at Peachtree Ridge High School before making a name for himself at Florida State, where he became a key player for the Seminoles. Drafted 11th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2020 NBA Draft, Vassell has established himself as a rising star in the league with his defensive skills and scoring ability. His high school recently honored him by retiring his No. 24 jersey, a testament to his impact on the local basketball community.

5. McClain Hermes (Swimming)

Dacula's McClain Hermes is a two-time Paralympian who has overcome vision loss due to Wagner Syndrome and is now one of the top blind swimmers in the world. Competing in multiple Paralympic Games and World Championships, she has earned multiple medals, including a gold at the 2017 World Championships. Outside the pool, she founded Shoes for the Souls, a nonprofit that has donated over 15,000 pairs of shoes to those in need.

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