5 Super Athletes With Ties To Springfield

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Springfield 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. Chase Jackson (Track And Field)

Springfield native Chase Jackson (formerly Ealey) has solidified her status as a global track and field star, claiming back-to-back world championships in the shot put in 2022 and 2023 and setting a U.S. record in the event. Her journey began in Riverton, where she excelled as a multi-sport athlete before attending Oklahoma State University and earning a degree in psychology. Relocating to England after early career setbacks, she found a new coach who helped propel her to the top of her field. After representing Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she placed 17th in the women’s shot put, Jackson remains a dominant force in the sport.

2. Ryan Held (Swimming)

Ryan Held, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, has made Springfield proud with his remarkable career in swimming. A graduate of North Carolina State University, Held has been a consistent force on Team USA, contributing to gold-medal victories in the 4x100m freestyle relay at the 2016 Rio and 2024 Paris Olympics. Over his career, Held has amassed 15 medals across world championships and other international competitions.

3. Andre Iguodala (Basketball)

Andre Iguodala, born and raised in Springfield, is a four-time NBA champion and the 2015 NBA Finals MVP. A standout at Lanphier High School, Iguodala’s journey took him from Springfield to the University of Arizona before he was selected ninth overall in the 2004 NBA Draft. Over a 19-year career, he became known for his defensive prowess, leadership and clutch performances, playing for teams like the Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers.

4. Hannah Werth (Volleyball)

Hannah Werth, a Springfield-area volleyball standout, set the Illinois high school record with 2,022 career kills while at Glenwood High School in Chatham. A Gatorade Illinois Player of the Year, she earned All-American honors at the University of Nebraska, winning Big Ten and Big 12 titles. After a professional career that included stints in Puerto Rico, Italy and Turkey, Werth returned to central Illinois to coach and inspire future athletes through her Hannah Werth Volleyball Academy. Today, she is a sports information specialist at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield.

5. Matt Mitrione (Mixed Martial Arts)

Matt Mitrione, a Springfield-born heavyweight MMA fighter, transitioned from playing football at Purdue University to becoming a notable competitor in the UFC and Bellator. Known for his striking ability and athleticism, Mitrione achieved memorable victories, including a knockout win against MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko. Despite ups and downs in his career, he remained a fan favorite for his entertaining fighting style and personality.

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