Mustang Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Marquette Senior High School

Sports run deep in Chesterfield, and Marquette Senior High School has long been at the heart of it. It’s no surprise some standout talent once wore the Mustang uniform. Today we're celebrating five unforgettable athletes from Marquette Senior High School who made a name for themselves well beyond the hometown field.

1. Dan Connolly – NFL Offensive Lineman (New England Patriots)

A former NFL offensive lineman, Connolly was a standout in both football and track and field. After a successful college career at Southeast Missouri State, he entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2005. Connolly is best known for his time with the New England Patriots, where he became a team captain and helped the Patriots win Super Bowl XLIX. Throughout his NFL career, he played in 89 games with 71 starts, showcasing durability and leadership on the offensive line. (Sources: ESPN, Patriots)

2. Joaquin “New Mansa” Buckley – UFC Fighter

Buckley is a professional mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC. During his time at Marquette High School, Buckley was a member of the wrestling team but had always been interested in MMA. Buckley is best known for the most viral knockouts in UFC history, including a spinning back kick KO that became the promotion’s most-viewed social media video ever. He continues to compete in the welterweight division, ranking among the top contenders. (Sources: ESPN, Tapology)

3. Taryn A. Blevins – University of Hartford Point Guard

Blevins was a star point guard during her time at Marquette Senior High School as a top recruit of the Class of 2023. She continues her collegiate career at the University of Hartford, where she immediately made an impact, starting 18 games as a freshman and setting a career high with 26 points that season. Blevins is still a member of the team and is contributing today. (Sources: HartfordHawks)

4. Donovan Fitzmaurice – Collegiate Defensive Lineman

A standout defensive lineman for the Mustangs and the most recent graduate on our list, Fitzmaurice received All-State honors in his junior and senior years, emerging as a top recruit in Missouri. Fitzmaurice continues his football career at Washington State University, where he made his collegiate debut this past season and appeared in nine games. (Sources: WSUCougars)

5. Michael “The Menace” Johnson – UFC Fighter

Johnson is a professional mixed martial artist and alumnus of Marquette High School. A multi-sport athlete at Marquette, Johnson earned a football scholarship to Central Methodist University; however transferred after one year to Meramec Community College, where he became one of the nation’s best wrestlers. Johnson competed on The Ultimate Fighter and has had a successful career in the UFC’s lightweight division. (Sources: MarquetteMessenger, ESPN)

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