Council Bluffs is celebrating a powerful piece of its community legacy, athletic excellence. On January 20, the Iowa West Foundation officially unveiled the city’s first-ever Council Bluffs Professional Sports Roster, honoring 24 individuals with deep local roots who went on to compete professionally or on the Olympic stage.
The inaugural ceremony took place at the Iowa West Field House, where students from area high schools joined friends, families, coaches, and community members to recognize the honorees. More than a moment of reflection, the event emphasized inspiration showing young athletes what’s possible when talent, dedication, and community support come together.
A Legacy Built at Home
Spanning generations and sports, the roster recognizes athletes who advanced to the NFL, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, Olympic and Paralympic competition, and more. While their careers carried them far beyond southwest Iowa, their stories all begin in Council Bluffs.
A highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of 24 large-scale banners, each measuring 5-by-10 feet, now permanently displayed along the south wall of the Iowa West Field House. Nine honorees delivered remarks, sharing reflections on their athletic journeys and the role Council Bluffs played in shaping their success. Miniature replica banners were also presented to honorees and representatives from their families or schools. The banners are open to the public for viewing Monday – Thursday from 2 – 8 PM, and the Foundation plans to expand the roster with future classes.
Honorees by Sport
The inaugural class reflects the wide-ranging athletic talent that has emerged from Council Bluffs, with honorees competing across professional leagues and elite international stages. Together, they represent the reach of hometown dedication carried onto some of the world’s biggest platforms. Athletes on the roster include those who advanced to:
- Major League Baseball teams including the Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Twins, and Cincinnati Reds
- National Football League teams such as the New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, and Los Angeles Chargers
- Major League Soccer, including Inter Miami CF
- Olympic and Paralympic competition, with athletes representing the United States in wrestling, diving, and adaptive sports
- Boxing, with a world heavyweight contender
- National Women’s Baseball League
- Horse Racing, including Kentucky Derby competition
These athletes hail from across the community, with ties to Abraham Lincoln High School, Thomas Jefferson High School, Lewis Central High School, St. Albert High School, and local elementary schools, underscoring the deep roots of athletic excellence in Council Bluffs.
What’s Next
This inaugural class marks just the beginning. According to Iowa West Foundation President and CEO Brenda Mainwaring, the Professional Sports Roster opens a new chapter in sharing positive, pride-filled stories about the Council Bluffs community. The Foundation is already developing a short list for the next class of honorees. To submit a name for consideration, email [email protected]. Athletes must have been drafted professionally or competed in the Olympics and have a connection to Council Bluffs.
Visit the Display
The Council Bluffs Professional Sports Roster is now permanently on display at the Iowa West Field House, and the public is encouraged to visit. Whether you’re a sports fan, a proud alum, or a young athlete dreaming big, the roster stands as a reminder that world-class talent can come from anywhere, including right here in Council Bluffs. Plan a visit, take a moment to read the names, and celebrate the hometown pride that continues to shape our community.
