5 Super Athletes With Ties To Macon

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

A former professional tennis player from Macon, Mallory Burdette made waves by advancing to the third round of the 2012 US Open — ultimately losing to then-world No. 3 Maria Sharapova — while still holding college eligibility at Stanford. That breakthrough prompted Burdette to turn pro, forgoing her senior season. She peaked at No. 68 in the WTA rankings in 2013 before a recurring shoulder injury led to her retirement in 2014.

2. Sharone Wright (Basketball)

Born in Macon and a former standout at Southwest High School, Sharone Wright was selected sixth overall in the 1994 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers after a stellar career at Clemson. A 6’11” forward/center, he earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors and enjoyed a promising start before a car accident shortened his NBA tenure. Wright later played overseas in Spain, Poland and the Netherlands. Today, he channels his passion for basketball into coaching and camps.

3. Russell Henley (Golf)

Russell Henley, of Macon, turned pro in 2011 after a remarkable amateur career at the University of Georgia. Known for his composed demeanor and consistent play, he has amassed multiple PGA TOUR victories, surpassing $33 million in career earnings. An avid guitar player and husband of painter Teil Duncan, he keeps close ties to his hometown through charitable golf events, including hosting the Five Star Kevin Brown Russell Henley Celebrity Classic to benefit local nonprofits.

4. Kareen Jackson (Football)

A Macon-born defensive back, Kareem Jackson starred at Alabama before becoming a first-round pick of the Houston Texans in the 2010 NFL Draft. Transitioning between cornerback and safety, he quickly earned a reputation for hard hits and savvy play, also suiting up for the Denver Broncos across a 15-year (and counting) career. Off the field, Jackson regularly returns to Central Georgia to mentor young athletes through his free youth football camp.

5. Kaitlin Westfall (Sotfball)

A local standout from Mount de Sales Academy, Kaitlin Westfall cemented her legacy at the University of South Carolina, starting every game in left field as a senior in 2012. She led the SEC in doubles that season and finished among the program’s career leaders in outfield assists and slugging percentage. Westfall was consistent both at the plate and in the field, including multiple SEC Academic Honor Roll and National Fastpitch Coaches Association Scholar-Athlete distinctions.

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