5 Super Athletes With Ties To Inver Grove Heights

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Inver Grove Heights 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. Michael Busch (Baseball)

A standout infielder from Inver Grove Heights, Michael Busch quickly made his mark in Major League Baseball. A first-round draft pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019, he starred at the University of North Carolina before making his MLB debut. After exceeding rookie limits in 2024, Busch joined the Chicago Cubs, where he has become a key contributor, showcasing his power with 21 home runs and 65 RBIs in his first full season.

2. Heather Kampf (Running)

Inver Grove Heights native Heather Kampf has been a dominant force in middle-distance running for over a decade. A four-time USATF Road Mile Champion and NCAA Indoor Champion in the 800m, she built an impressive career at the University of Minnesota before transitioning to professional racing. Kampf has qualified for five U.S. Olympic Trials, competing in events ranging from the 800m to the marathon. In 2024, she tackled her longest distance yet, racing in the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials after clocking a personal-best 2:36:30.

3. Greg Kerkvliet (Wrestling)

A dominant force on the mat, Greg Kerkvliet has cemented his legacy as one of the top heavyweight wrestlers in the country. The Inver Grove Heights native and Simley High School alum is a four-time NCAA All-American and captured his first NCAA national title at 285 pounds in 2024 with an undefeated 20-0 season. Representing Penn State, he also won his first Big Ten Championship that same year, showcasing his technical skill and relentless work ethic.

4. Isabella McCauley (Golf)

Ranked among the top U.S. amateur golfers, rising star Isabella McCauley is proving to be a formidable competitor on the national stage. The Inver Grove Heights native and University of Minnesota standout received an invitation to compete in the prestigious 2025 Augusta National Women’s Amateur, becoming the first Gopher to participate in the tournament’s history. A Big Ten champion and honorable mention All-American, McCauley has also reached the NCAA championship as an individual in both of her collegiate seasons.

5. Alec Kandt (Swimming)

Alec Kandt’s swimming career began at Simley High School, where he became one of Minnesota’s top breaststroke specialists. He continued his success at Michigan State University, earning four varsity letters, multiple Male Swimmer of the Year honors and a school record in the 100 Breaststroke. Kandt also represented the Spartans at the U.S. Open and competed in the 2016 Olympic Trials. After transitioning into coaching, he served as an assistant at the University of Florida and Davenport University before joining the University of Arkansas coaching staff, where he continues to develop top-tier swimmers.

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