JCHS Sports Alumni

AILEEN HA, managing editor

It’s no secret that Johns Creek High School has been home to some great achievements and produced extremely successful people. Within the realm of athletics, Johns Creek has housed star athletes that have accomplished remarkable feats, and after graduating, these supreme athletes have gone on to make a name for themselves and create a legacy that can span decades.

For Rowan Darnell, who graduated from Johns Creek just last year, football has been a priority in his life for ten years. Drawing advice and encouragement from coaches, teachers, teammates and family, he dedicates part of his success to those who have helped him along the way to his accomplishments, many of whom are from Johns Creek. Darnell stated, “Most of the time, if you aren’t succeeding in the classroom, you won’t even be given the opportunity you might deserve on the field…[and] the part I enjoy most about playing is building bonds with my teammates,” emphasizing how high school does have a profound impact on a future in sports, and that the people leave a lasting impact. From suiting up for Friday-night football games and loving the infectious energy of the school community, Darnell has shifted to playing division-one football at Kennesaw State University. His current goals encompass more than just rising through the ranks of football, but also creating a successful future for after college. As of now, football has become an even more integral part of his life, and he dedicates the majority of his time towards harnessing his skills and preparing with the team for upcoming seasons. Allie Buchalski, a track runner who graduated class of 2013, has made it internationally. Both an alumnus of Johns Creek and Clemson University, she is currently ranked 1174th overall in the world. She has flourished since her time at Johns Creek, additionally earning the title of 58th in the world for the women’s 5000m. In 2021, she achieved her personal best time of 14:57.54 for the women’s 5000m at the Sound Running Invite in San Juan Capistrano, California and 4:06.19 for the women’s 1500m at the Portland Track Festival in Portland, Oregon. For Buchalski, running has allowed her to foster significant relationships, saying, “Running has taken me all over the world but what I’m most thankful for is the people that it allowed me to meet along the way. The running community is a special group of people, and I’m proud to be a part of it.” She has impacted a profound number of runners around the world with her position as a representative for the Brooks Running company and is currently represented by Flynn Sports Management.

Rowan Darnell and Allie Buchalski are only two people out of a great magnitude of others who have graduated from Johns Creek and gone on to achieve exceptional triumphs. Many of the athletes at Johns Creek have left their marks on the school and community and continue to strive towards greater challenges.