5 Super Athletes With Ties To Lexington

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Lexington 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. Livi Warren (Softball)

A rising star at Lexington High School, left-handed slugger Livi Warren powered the Wildcats to the 2024 5A state championship series by hitting .456 with 23 RBIs and 17 stolen bases. Named the Lexington County Chronicle’s Female Athlete of the Year, Warren earned All-State honors and quickly became a key leader during her sophomore year. Her early success on the diamond stems from years of dedication and an unwavering passion for the game — traits that could help her bring a coveted state title to Lexington in her remaining high school seasons.

2. John Boozer (Baseball)

Lexington County native John Boozer pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies throughout the 1960s, best remembered for his stint enforcing (and bending) baseball’s rules against going to one’s mouth on the mound. Though he never became a household name, Boozer provided reliable bullpen work, especially in 1967 and 1968, and carved out a multi-year Major League career. After retirement, he returned to Lexington and served as the county’s first recreation director, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the field in his hometown.

3. Shaq Roland (Football)

A former Lexington High School sensation, Shaq Roland garnered national attention by winning South Carolina’s Mr. Football in 2011 and enrolling at the University of South Carolina. Despite flashes of brilliance, Roland’s Gamecocks career never reached its sky-high expectations, and he ultimately left the program in 2014. After short professional stints, he found a new calling by mentoring young athletes through coaching, using both his triumphs and challenges to guide Lexington’s next generation of football standouts.

4. Nick Ciuffo (Baseball)

Lexington High School catcher Nick Ciuffo became a first-round draft pick by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2013. Renowned for his defensive skills behind the plate, Ciuffo made his Major League debut in 2018 with Tampa Bay and later played for the Baltimore Orioles. After suffering a broken foot during spring training in 2023 while with the Yankees organization, Ciuffo decided to retire, capping a decade-long pro career.

5. Cade McNeil (Basketball)

Named the 2024 Lexington County Male Athlete of the Year, Northside Christian junior Cade McNeil excelled in basketball, baseball and cross country. On the hardwood, he led his squad to a second consecutive region title and earned Region Player of the Year honors, all while playing a pivotal role on the region-winning baseball team. Whether draining shots on the court or crossing finish lines, McNeil’s multi-sport success underscores his status as one of Lexington’s most versatile and dynamic young athletes.

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