Douglas County has some of the best athletes in the country. Many enter their senior seasons with multiple D1 offers to some of the best universities. During this school year, we will highlight some of those athletes, their accomplishments, and their promising futures.
Jaylen Burge
Ponderosa Mustangs · Wrestling · Class of 2026
Jaylen is ranked #1 in the state in his weight class coming into his senior season. Among his many awards and tournament wins, Jaylen is also a three-time state finalist, three-time region champion, four-time letter winner, and carries a 4.75 GPA. Jaylen is currently uncommitted but is in talks with School of Mines, UNC, Michigan, Virginia Tech, Nebraska, Princeton, Cornell, Stanford, and Columbia.
Lauren Thompson
Chaparral Wolverines · Basketball · Class of 2026
Lauren has been on varsity all four years and been named captain for her last three. She was voted First Team All-Conference the past two seasons and Honorable Mention for state those same two years. Lauren was named Academic All-State First Team her freshman, sophomore, and junior years. She is committed to play for Colorado School of Mines; she will study business engineering.
Maile Starns
Legend Titans · Basketball · Class of 2026
Maile is a senior guard and team captain at Legend. She was a U15 EYBL Nike National runner-up, earned All-League Honorable Mention, was a scholastic showcase standout, and was named Second Team All-Select 40 on the club circuit. Maile helped lead Legend to the Final Four in 2024 and the State Championship game her junior season.
By Search Parker Staff
