5 Super Athletes With Ties To White Lake-Highland

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the White Lake-Highland 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. Grace Stark (Track & Field)

A White Lake native, Grace Stark has established herself as one of the top hurdlers in the nation. A Lakeland High School graduate, she dominated Michigan’s high school track scene, winning multiple state and national titles in the 100m hurdles and sprint events. Stark’s talent carried over to the international stage, where she competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing fifth in the women’s 100m hurdles. With a background in gymnastics and a natural ability to leap over obstacles, she has continued to excel as she pursues a professional track career.

2. Danny Davis (Snowboarding)

Highland native Danny Davis has been a defining figure in competitive snowboarding. The Olympian athlete finished 10th in the halfpipe at the 2014 Winter Games and has competed in multiple X Games, Grand Prix events and Dew Tour championships. Known for his smooth style and creative approach, Davis is a founding member of the Frends Crew, advocating for a rider-focused snowboarding culture. Despite a serious back injury in 2010, he made a strong comeback, cementing his legacy as one of Michigan’s most accomplished snowboarders.

3. Darrell Harper (Football)

Though originally from Royal Oak, professional football player Darrell Harper left a lasting impact on Highland Township, where he settled later in life. A star halfback and kicker at the University of Michigan, he was an Academic All-Big Ten selection in 1959 before being drafted by both the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills. Harper made history in 1960 by scoring the Buffalo Bills’ first-ever regular-season points with a 35-yard field goal. After his playing career, he became a respected high school coach and educator, earning a spot in the Michigan High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame. His legacy lives on in the many athletes he mentored and the generations of students he inspired.

4. Lauren Memmer (Softball)

A dominant force on the softball field, Lauren Memmer made history at Lakeland High School before continuing her career at Saginaw Valley State University. Named Miss Softball of Michigan in 2007, she earned All-American and all-state honors while setting the state record for career pitching wins and single-season victories. Memmer’s achievements secured her a place in the Lakeland High School Hall of Fame, and she was widely recognized for both her athletic and academic excellence.

5. McCoy Biagoli (Golf)

White Lake’s McCoy Biagioli made Michigan golf history by becoming just the 11th player to win both the Michigan Amateur Championship and the GAM Championship in the same year. A standout golfer at Ferris State University, he proved himself against the state’s top amateurs, delivering clutch performances, including an 18-foot putt to secure a semifinal victory at the Michigan Amateur.

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