5 Super Athletes With Ties To Westminster

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Westminster 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. Mike Knode (Baseball, Football)

A multi-sport athlete in the early 20th century, Mike Knode made his mark in both professional baseball and college football. Born in Westminster, Knode played as an infielder for the St. Louis Cardinals in the MLB and excelled as a quarterback at the University of Maryland, where he showcased his athletic versatility. His contributions to sports in his era reflect his deep connection to his hometown of Westminster.

2. Thelma Elizabeth Richards (Golf, Trap Shooting)

A trailblazing athlete from Westminster, Thelma Elizabeth Richards excelled in both golf and trap shooting, earning her place in the Carroll County Hall of Fame as its first female inductee. Dominating the amateur golf scene in Baltimore from 1947 to 1962, she claimed numerous titles, including the Maryland Women's Golf Association Championship in 1950, the Titleholder Tournament in 1952 and 1953 and several country club tournaments. She also achieved remarkable success in trap shooting, winning eight Maryland State Trap Shoot titles and earning All-American honors twice.

3. Patrick Stewart (Lacrosse)

A talented lacrosse player, Patrick Stewart has made his mark as a midfielder at Florida Tech, where his skill and work ethic have been integral to the team. Originally from Westminster, Stewart honed his abilities at Westminster High School, where he was a standout player and developed his passion for the sport. His connection to Westminster remains strong as he represents his hometown's tradition of athletic excellence on the collegiate stage.

4. Suzanne Stettinius (Modern Pentathlon)

An accomplished modern pentathlete, Suzanne Stettinius represented the United States at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, competing in five disciplines: fencing, swimming, equestrian show jumping, running and shooting. Stettinius developed her competitive spirit and dedication to athletics in part while attending McDaniel College in Westminster. Her journey to becoming an Olympian is a testament to her hard work.

5. Mike Jenkins (Strongman)

A prominent figure in the world of strongman competitions, Mike Jenkins earned recognition for his incredible feats of strength, including winning the 2012 America's Strongest Man competition and finishing strong in the World’s Strongest Man contests. Hailing from Westminster, his achievements were a point of pride for his hometown, where his success inspired others to pursue strength sports and push their limits.

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