Eagle Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Kansas City Central High School

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

Derek Hood – Professional Basketball Forward

Central High School alum Derek Hood became a standout guard at the University of Arkansas, where his scoring and leadership earned him recognition as an Arkansas basketball legend. He went on to play professionally, with a brief stint in the NFL before building an international career that included competition at the EuroLeague level. (Sources: Whole Hog Sports, EuroLeague Basketball)

Muna Lee – Olympian Sprinter

Former Eagle Muna Lee rose to national and international prominence as an elite sprinter, representing the United States on the Olympic stage and earning multiple national titles during her career.. She later transitioned into coaching at University of Alabama at Birmingham, continuing her impact on the sport through collegiate track and field leadership. (Sources: Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, University of Alabama at Birmingham Sports)

Casey Stengel – MLB Player, Manager & Hall of Famer

A Kansas City Central High School alumnus, Casey Stengel played Major League Baseball for teams including the New York Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers before building a legendary managerial career. He went on to manage the New York Yankees, leading the franchise through one of the most dominant championship stretches in baseball history, and later managed the New York Mets in their earliest seasons. Stengel’s lasting influence on the game earned him induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. (Source: Historic Missourians, Society for American Baseball Research)

Tim Abney – Hall of Fame Basketball Player & Athletic Administrator

As an Eagle, Tim Abney was named the Interscholastic League Player of the Year as a senior before continuing his career at Lincoln University. He scored more than 1,000 collegiate points and helped Lincoln win multiple MIAA titles and reach the NCAA Division II Elite Eight. Abney later moved into leadership roles in college athletics and was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024. (Source: Missouri Sports Hall of Fame)

Shawn Bridgewater – Award-Winning Football Player

Recent grad Shawn Bridgewater had a standout senior football season with the Eagles, finishing with 40 receptions, over 500 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, earning recognition as one of the area’s top high school players. He continued his football career at the University of Saint Mary, where he joined the 2025 football roster as a freshman. At Central he also competed in basketball, showcasing his multi-sport athletic talent. (Source: The Simone Awards, Go Spires)

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