The Athletic Stars of VHS Alumni

Valencia is no doubt home to some of the most incredible athletes, past, present, and future. From Olympic alumni to the league champs of this past year and rising stars of the future, Viking DNA runs strong. As we take a look into the past at talented athletes whose beginnings were rooted right in our very own turf, we can admire the strength and talent of VHS alumni whose high school years were not too unlike our own.

Shane Vereen, Class of 2007- 

Shane Vereen is the only Valencia alumni with the privilege to say that he’s a Super Bowl champion. In 2015, this talented running back won Super Bowl XLIX with the New England Patriots, totaling 11 catches and 64 yards in the game. Throughout his career he also played for the New York Giants and also the New Orleans Saints where he had to end his career short due to an injury. Despite this setback, his time in the industry has not run out yet. Starting as a college football analyst for the PAC-12 post-injury, he is now a recent hire of the Houston Texans as their newest player personnel assistant where he will be involved in scouting the next generation of talent.

Brock Vereen, Class of 2010- 

Brock Vereen is another American football player; he is Shane Vereen’s younger brother. Playing as a safety and cornerback, he was selected by the NFL’s Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2014 draft. Before he became a professional, Vereen played at the University of Minnesota and when he was just a freshman, he made it clear that he was a player to be watched and chosen as a starter multiple times. Like his brother, he also played on the VHS football team where they won in the Foothill League multiple times. Throughout his professional career, he was also a member of the Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, and Kansas City Chiefs, but only of their practice squads. While Brock was not ultimately as successful as his brother in the sport, he too found success off the field. Vereen works today as an anchor on the Big Ten Network, analyzing and discussing college football, remaining close to the sport he has played for so long.

Wes Felix, Class of 2001- 

Wesley Felix is a successful sprinter who specializes in the 100 and 200 meters. He attended and ran for the University of Southern California where he was the Pac-10 200 meters champion in 2003 and again in 2004 as well as in the 100m in 2005 with a time of 10.24. His potential as a track star was clear to many early on though, performing well in several local and state-wide meets and competitions as a Valencia athlete. Felix’s sister, Allyson Felix, is a renowned track star as well, sporting several Olympic medals, although she did not attend Valencia. Today, the two siblings co-own a successful running shoe company, Saysh. 

Max Homa, Class of 2009-

Max Homa is an extremely accomplished golfer with an impressive six wins on the PGA Tour. Homa got his start in a golf career here in Valencia at the Vista Valencia Country Club but couldn’t stay playing there because the sport was so expensive. Luckily, he was able to begin playing again at nicer country clubs when he joined the Valencia men’s golf team while he was a student. Homa did very well as a VHS student, earning him a spot on UC Berkeley's team, where he went on to win the NCAA men’s golf individual division in 2013. Today, Homa is still playing on the PGA Tour and continues to achieve great things.

While Valencia has produced some incredible alumni over the years, there are even more talented athletes who haven’t even graduated yet. From swimmers to basketball players and even dancers, it is clear that the future for Valencia athletes is bright.