Lancer Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Lafayette High School

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

Ryan Howard – Record-Breaking Home Run King

Before he became a Phillies legend and one of the most feared sluggers in baseball, Ryan Howard honed his swing at Lafayette High School in Wildwood. Known as “The Big Piece,” Howard became the fastest player in MLB history to reach both 100 and 200 home runs, racking up accolades including NL MVP (2006), Rookie of the Year (2005) and three All-Star selections. With 382 career homers, a World Series ring and multiple franchise records, Howard remains one of the most iconic power hitters of his generation. (Sources: MLB, Missouri State)

Grace Tyson – Gatorade Player of the Year & 23-Time State Medalist

A three-sport standout and decorated distance runner, Grace Tyson graduated from Lafayette High with 23 state medals across cross country, swimming, and track. She was a two-time Missouri cross country state champion and the 2022 Gatorade Missouri Girls Cross Country Player of the Year—Lafayette’s first. Tyson is now running at Indiana University, where she continues to build on her impressive athletic career. (Sources: West Newsmagazine, IU Athletics)

David Freese – World Series MVP

Wildwood native David Freese etched his name into baseball history with one of the most dramatic postseason performances ever. The Lafayette High grad and lifelong Cardinals fan delivered a game-tying triple and walk-off homer in Game 6 of the 2011 World Series, earning both NLCS and World Series MVP honors. Freese finished his MLB career with stints in St. Louis, Anaheim, Pittsburgh and Los Angeles, retiring in 2019 after more than a decade in the big leagues. (Sources: MLB.com, Baseball-Reference)

Maya Witherspoon – SEC Volleyball Freshman Phenom

Maya Witherspoon made an immediate impact at Vanderbilt as a freshman, earning a spot on the 2025 SEC Volleyball Community Service Team and racking up 30 aces across 100 sets. The 2024-25 Gatorade Missouri Player of the Year and three-time state champion from Lafayette High has a heavy arm and a cool presence under pressure — traits that promise a bright future in SEC competition. (Source: Vanderbilt Athletics)

Lillian Ware – Defensive Softball Anchor

Known for her rocket arm and leadership on the field, Lafayette High alum and softball standout Lillian Ware has thrived at Emory University, earning back-to-back seasons with 38 starts. The catcher/utility player batted .343 as a sophomore and threw out 13 would-be base stealers, cementing her status as one of the top defensive players in her conference. (Sources: NCSA Sports, Emory Athletics)

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