DeMatha Catholic High School, located in Hyattsville, Maryland, continues its legacy as a national powerhouse in both athletics and academics, with the current 2024-2025 school year marking yet another period of extraordinary achievement. This college preparatory school for boys, known for its motto of producing "Faith-Filled Gentlemen and Scholars," has solidified its reputation through recent, high-profile championship wins and impressive student outcomes.
As of December 15, 2025, the Stags have garnered significant attention for their dominance in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) and their commitment to rigorous academic programs, including the specialized Ryken Studies Program. The school’s enduring tradition of excellence is not merely a historical footnote but an active, ongoing narrative that shapes the future of its students and the landscape of high school sports.
The Legends of Hyattsville: A List of Notable DeMatha Alumni
DeMatha Catholic High School has produced an extensive list of distinguished alumni who have gone on to excel in professional sports, media, and the arts. Their success reflects the school's commitment to developing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. The following list highlights just a few of the most impactful figures to emerge from the Hyattsville campus, demonstrating the school's deep topical authority across multiple fields and providing a wealth of relevant entities:
- Chase Young (NFL Football, Defensive End)
- Victor Oladipo (NBA Basketball, Guard)
- Adrian Dantley (NBA Hall of Fame Basketball Player)
- Jerami Grant (NBA Basketball, Forward)
- Markelle Fultz (NBA Basketball, Guard)
- Keith Bogans (Former NBA Basketball Player)
- Danny Ferry (Former NBA Player and Executive)
- Cyrus Kouandjio (NFL Football, Offensive Lineman)
- Ja'Whaun Bentley (NFL Football, Linebacker)
- Jalen Brooks (NFL Football, Wide Receiver)
- Derek Mills (Olympic Gold Medalist, Track and Field)
- David Aldridge (Sports Journalist, The Athletic)
- Morgan Wootten (Legendary DeMatha Basketball Coach, Hall of Fame)
- Michael S. Steele (Former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, Political Figure)
- Brenden Adams (Actor, known for *The Big C*)
- Jeff Baxter (Musician, The Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan)
- Alvin Williams (Former NBA Basketball Player)
- Joe Haden (Former NFL Football, Cornerback)
- A. David Aldridge (Sports Reporter/Writer)
- Kenny Blakeney (College Basketball Coach)
Unprecedented Athletic Dominance in the 2025 WCAC Season
The 2024-2025 athletic season has been a landmark year, further cementing DeMatha's reputation as one of the premier sports schools in the United States. Their teams, known as the Stags, compete in the highly competitive Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC), where they have consistently proven their mettle. The school boasts an incredible 227 conference crowns and seven national championships across its history, a testament to its sustained excellence.
The most recent headlines have been dominated by the football and lacrosse programs. DeMatha secured a back-to-back WCAC Football Championship, defeating rival Gonzaga 20-13 in a thrilling game. This victory highlights the program's ability to maintain elite status year after year. Furthermore, the Stags' lacrosse team claimed the prestigious 2025 WCAC Lacrosse Championship, adding another major title to the school’s trophy case.
Beyond the major sports, the swimming and diving program also achieved historic success. The 2024-2025 DeMatha swimming and diving team was heralded as the finest in school history, showcasing the depth of the school's athletic commitment across all 13 varsity sports. The baseball team also posted a formidable 25-6 record in 2024, maintaining the school's high standard of competition.
Academic Excellence and the Ryken Studies Program
While athletic prowess often captures the spotlight, the core mission of DeMatha Catholic High School remains its rigorous college preparatory academic program. The curriculum is comprehensive, offering over 150 courses across Theology, English, Science, Mathematics, and the Arts, all designed to fully prepare students for university life.
A key differentiator for DeMatha is the specialized Ryken Studies Program. This program is a college preparatory track specifically designed for highly capable students who benefit from a structured, supportive learning environment. The success of this focused approach is quantifiable: in 2024 alone, students in the Ryken Program collectively earned an astounding $3.9 million in merit-based academic scholarships.
This commitment to scholastic achievement is further emphasized by the school’s robust offering of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the continuous support provided by a dedicated faculty. The blending of a strong Catholic identity with forward-looking educational practices ensures that DeMatha graduates are not only competitive applicants for top universities but are also prepared to be "Faith-Filled Gentlemen" in their communities. The focus on holistic development ensures that every student, regardless of their path, is equipped for success in the next chapter of their lives.
The DeMatha Difference: Tradition, Culture, and Community
The "DeMatha Difference" is often attributed to the powerful combination of a deep-seated tradition and a vibrant, supportive community culture. Founded on the charism of the Trinitarian Fathers, the school emphasizes service, faith, and academic rigor. This culture is what sustains the high level of performance year after year, from the classroom to the championship fields.
The school's Hall of Fame ceremony, which celebrated new inductees in 2024, is one example of how DeMatha actively honors its past while inspiring its current students. Furthermore, the student news site, The DeMatha Stagline, keeps the community updated on current events, including the recent implementation of a Cyber Day for the 2025-2026 school year, demonstrating a commitment to modern educational practices.
Ultimately, the school's continued dominance in the WCAC, its ability to produce professional athletes and influential leaders, and the impressive scholarship totals earned by its academic programs all point to a high school that is not resting on its historical laurels. DeMatha Catholic High School is an institution that consistently delivers on its promise of excellence, making it a pivotal educational and athletic entity in the Archdiocese of Washington and the entire Mid-Atlantic region.
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