5 Super Athletes With Ties To Roanoke

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Roanoke 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. Carmen Graves (Track and Field)

Carmen Graves, a standout in women’s track and field, has left an indelible mark on the sport, excelling in sprinting and hurdling. Graves, a Roanoke native, recently competed at the U.S. Olympic Trials, a testament to her elite athleticism and dedication. She is also recognized as a Hall of Famer for Roanoke College, where she starred as a student-athlete, earning numerous accolades for her performances in track and field.

2. Eric Weinrich (Hockey)

As a highly skilled defenseman, Eric Weinrich, enjoyed a remarkable 17-season career in the NHL, playing for teams such as the New Jersey Devils, Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers. Known for his reliability and versatility on the ice, he appeared in over 1,100 NHL games and represented Team USA in several international tournaments, including the Olympics. Originally from Roanoke, Weinrich’s journey from local hockey rinks to the professional stage continues to inspire aspiring athletes in the community.

3. Lee Suggs (Football)

Lee Suggs, a talented running back, made his mark in football with a record-setting college career at Virginia Tech. He then played in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins, showcasing his skill as a pro. As a Roanoke native, Suggs grew up in the area and attended William Fleming High School, where his football talent first began to shine. His accomplishments on the field remain a source of pride and inspiration for the Roanoke community.

4. Curtis Staples (Basketball)

Curtis Staples is a former basketball player best known for his exceptional shooting ability, particularly his three-point prowess. At the University of Virginia (UVA), he set the school record for most three-pointers made. Hailing from Roanoke, Staples attended Patrick Henry High School, where he developed his skills before making a name for himself at Oak Hill Academy and UVA. His connection to Roanoke remains a significant part of his legacy, as he continues to inspire local athletes with his impressive basketball career and achievements.

5. Ataijah “Tay” Taylor (Basketball)

Known for her leadership on the court and all-around play as a guard, Ataijah “Tay” Taylor was a standout player for Wake Forest University. She earned recognition for her impressive skills in scoring, defense and playmaking. While hailing from Roanoke, Taylor attended Salem High School, where she made a significant impact on the basketball scene.

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