Bulldog Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Terry Sanford High School

From Fayetteville to Fort Bragg, sports are woven into the fabric of the community — and Terry Sanford High School has long stood at the center of it all. With deep ties to Fort Bragg and a storied Bulldogs athletics program, it’s no surprise some remarkable talent once wore the school’s colors. Today, we’re celebrating five unforgettable athletes from Terry Sanford High School who went on to shine far beyond the hometown field.

1. Dwayne Allen – NFL Tight End (Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots)

A stand-out Bulldog at Terry Sanford High School in Fayetteville, Allen went on to play at Clemson University, where he became one of the nation’s premier collegiate tight ends. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft and later played for the New England Patriots, earning a Super Bowl LIII ring. (Sources: Pro Football Reference, ClemsonTigers.com, Patriots.com)

2. Oli Udoh – NFL Offensive Tackle (Tennessee Titans)

Udoh starred on the offensive line at Terry Sanford High School before playing collegiately at Elon University. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft and has since played in the NFL, including time with the Tennessee Titans. (Sources: Pro Football Reference, TennesseeTitans.com)

3. Shea Ralph – Collegiate Basketball Star & Coach

One of the most decorated basketball players in North Carolina history, Ralph dominated at Terry Sanford High School and held multiple state records before playing at UConn, where she helped lead the Huskies to the 2000 NCAA Championship and was named Final Four MVP. She has since built a career as a college coach. (Sources: North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, CityView NC)

4. Karly Gustafson – International Soccer Goalkeeper (Puerto Rico Women’s National Team)

A four-year standout at Terry Sanford High School, Gustafson continued her soccer career at NC State University before transferring to Winthrop University. While at Winthrop, she earned the opportunity to compete internationally as a goalkeeper with the Puerto Rico Women’s National Team, including involvement in Olympic qualifying competition. (Sources: Winthrop University Athletics, MaxPreps.com, GoPack.com)

5. DJ Herz – MLB Pitcher (Washington Nationals)

Herz starred at Terry Sanford High School in Fayetteville before being selected in the eighth round of the 2019 MLB Draft. He later reached the major leagues as a pitcher with the Washington Nationals in 2024. (Sources: Baseball-Reference.com, MLB.com)

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