5 Super Athletes With Ties To Reno

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Reno 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. Luke Babbitt (Basketball)

Growing up in Reno after moving from Ohio at age nine, Luke Babbitt became a local basketball icon at Galena High School, breaking Nevada’s prep scoring record with 2,941 points. He stayed close to home for college at the University of Nevada and averaged over 21 points per game as a sophomore before declaring for the 2010 NBA Draft. Selected 16th overall, Babbitt played in the NBA for the Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks. Known for his smooth shooting stroke and versatility at 6’9”, he spent nearly a decade in professional basketball before retiring in 2018.

2. Shannon Bahrke (Skiing)

Raised near the slopes of Lake Tahoe just outside Reno, Shannon Bahrke is a two-time Olympic medalist who emerged as one of the United States’ top freestyle skiers. Her 12-year career on the U.S. Ski Team included seven World Cup victories, 26 podium finishes and three Olympic appearances — highlighted by a silver medal at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games and a bronze in Vancouver 2010. Despite facing multiple injuries, she demonstrated remarkable perseverance, eventually founding her own businesses and becoming a sought-after motivational speaker. Today, Bahrke uses her platform to inspire others through stories of grit and resilience, honoring her Northern Nevada roots in the process.

3. Brent Boyd (Football)

An advocate for former NFL players and a pioneering voice on concussion awareness, Brent Boyd has strong ties to the Reno area through his post-football advocacy work in Northern Nevada. Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 1980 out of UCLA, the 6’3” offensive guard played six seasons in the league, suiting up in 59 games. After retiring, Boyd became prominent in raising awareness about the long-term effects of head trauma, testifying before Congress and championing better benefits for retired athletes.

4. Julia Mancuso (Skiing)

Julia Mancuso ascended to international stardom as the most decorated American female alpine skier in Olympic history, with four medals across three Winter Games. The Reno-Tahoe region native burst onto the scene by winning gold in the giant slalom at the 2006 Olympics, followed by silver medals in Vancouver (2010) and a bronze in Sochi (2014). Known for wearing a tiara atop the podium, Mancuso balanced fierce competitiveness with an infectious, free-spirited personality. Since retiring, she has dabbled in entrepreneurial endeavors, launched a podcast and embraced motherhood while continuing her active lifestyle between mountains and surf.

5. Chris Carr (Football)

Chris Carr, a graduate of Reno’s McQueen High School, forged an impressive NFL career as a cornerback and return specialist. Undrafted in 2005, he made a name for himself on special teams with the Oakland Raiders before stints with the Titans, Ravens, Chargers and Saints. Known for his speed and tenacity, Carr accumulated over 6,200 return yards and contributed key plays in defensive backfields. After retiring, he transitioned to a successful legal career, earning his law degree and working as a senior attorney.

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