Huntsville, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Huntsville High School has produced remarkable athletes who have made significant contributions to various sports. This article highlights five standout athletes, including Bobby Luna and Margaret Hoelzer, showcasing their achievements and lasting legacies. The school continues to support aspiring athletes through initiatives that connect them with college scouting opportunities, further enriching the community’s athletic tradition.
Huntsville—Huntsville High School has a storied history in athletics, proudly showcasing numerous accomplished athletes whose talents extend far beyond the local fields. This article highlights five unforgettable athletes from Huntsville High School and their impressive contributions to sports, offering a look at their achievements and the legacies they left behind.
One standout athlete is Bobby Luna, a prominent figure in both college and professional football. After excelling as a defensive back at the University of Alabama, he went on to play in the NFL for the San Francisco 49ers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Luna’s impact on the game did not end with his playing career; he also served as an assistant coach under the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant, contributing to several championships for the Crimson Tide throughout his tenure. Luna passed away in 2008 at the age of 74, leaving a lasting legacy within Alabama football.
Another notable Huntsville High School alumnus is Margaret Hoelzer, a three-time Olympic medalist who made her mark on the international swimming scene. Hoelzer earned two silver medals and one bronze while representing Team USA at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. She specialized in backstroke events and gained international recognition by securing a World Championship title in the 200 m backstroke in 2007, where she also set a world record during that year’s U.S. Olympic Trials.
Nicholas Morrow, a graduate of Huntsville High School, took a different path through sports while aiming for the NFL. Morrow was initially waived by the Buffalo Bills in January 2025, but he quickly found new opportunities with the Philadelphia Eagles. In a remarkable postseason journey, he was elevated to the active roster for the Divisional Round, NFC Championship, and Super Bowl LIX, where he contributed significantly on special teams.
Huntsville High School also proudly produced Brewer Hicklen, a multi-sport athlete who ventured into professional baseball. Drafted in the seventh round by the Kansas City Royals in 2017, Hicklen made his Major League Baseball debut with the Royals and later played for the Milwaukee Brewers and Detroit Tigers through 2025. He has now turned his focus to philanthropy, hosting an annual “Homers for Hope” fundraiser in Huntsville, connecting his athletic achievements to cause-related fundraising for youth sports.
A former soccer star from Huntsville High School made waves in the sport as well. She was instrumental in leading her team to a 5A state championship in 2005 and earned the title of Alabama’s Gatorade High School Player of the Year. Notably, she scored an astounding 48 goals in a single season, breaking the state record. Following her high school career, she showcased her skills at the University of Alabama and played professionally for the Seattle Sounders Women and Seattle Reign FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Huntsville’s athletic program continues to nurture aspiring athletes through multiple initiatives. Former Huntsville High School Baseball Coach David Sharp now serves as the Baseball Regional Supervisor for Alabama and collaborates with Prep Baseball, a National Scouting Service. This organization enhances exposure for high school student-athletes, hosting Scouting ID Showcase events and connecting players with over 1,100 college coaches who subscribe to their service. By utilizing advanced analytics and verified data, Prep Baseball aids coaches in making informed recruiting decisions.
With a rich tradition of sports excellence, Huntsville High School has significantly impacted the athletic community, fostering numerous talents that resonate beyond the classroom and into professional sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are some famous athletes from Huntsville High School?
Notable athletes include Bobby Luna, Margaret Hoelzer, Nicholas Morrow, Brewer Hicklen, and a former standout soccer player who led her team to a state championship in 2005.
What sports did Margaret Hoelzer excel in?
Margaret Hoelzer excelled in swimming, specifically in backstroke events, and won multiple medals at the Olympics.
What initiatives are in place to support aspiring athletes in Huntsville?
Huntsville’s athletic program, led by figures like Coach David Sharp, connects high school athletes with college scouts through services like Prep Baseball, enhancing their recruitment opportunities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Patch: Panther Pride – 5 Unforgettable Athletes from Huntsville High School
- AL.com: Alabama High School Football Teams’ Quest
- WAFF: Scouting Service Aims to Help Baseball Prospects
- AHSAA: Tanya Broadway’s Players Excel On and Off the Court
- KBTX: Huntsville ISD Names Todd Moebes New AD, Head Football Coach
- Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
- Google Search: Huntsville High School athletics
- Google Scholar: Huntsville High School athletes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Huntsville
- Google News: Huntsville athletic program
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
