Plano continues to produce world‑class athletes whose achievements echo far beyond the city limits. Three recent stories highlight how local talent is thriving on the national and international stage, underscoring the strength of our community’s sports programs and the dedication of families who support them.
Maya McCutcheon’s soccer odyssey
Maya McCutcheon, a 2019 graduate of Plano East Senior High School, began her rise as captain of the FC Dallas club team that captured the under‑16 national championship in 2017. After committing to the University of Oklahoma during her sophomore year, she transferred to West Virginia, where she honed her skills before joining professional clubs Bay FC and North Carolina Courage. In 2024 she ventured overseas to play for Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand’s A‑League. Returning to the Dallas area in 2025, McCutcheon suited up for Dallas Trinity in their second season before retiring from the sport in June.
Hezly Rivera’s Olympic triumph
Gymnast Hezly Rivera moved to Plano in 2020 at age 12 to train under Valeri Liukin at the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy (WOGA). Her junior career flourished, culminating in a debut at the 2024 Winter Cup where she placed third all‑around and tied for first on balance beam. At the 2024 Olympic Trials she earned a fifth‑place all‑around finish, topped the balance beam, placed fourth on uneven bars and eighth on floor exercise. Those results secured her a spot on the United States team alongside Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee and Simone Biles. The team captured the gold medal, granting Rivera her first Olympic gold and adding another chapter to Plano’s proud gymnastics legacy.
Amber Glenn breaks barriers in figure skating
Born and raised in Plano, Amber Glenn trained at the Plano StarCenter under coaches affiliated with the Dallas Figure Skating Club. She made her international debut at age 13 and competed worldwide as a junior while navigating personal challenges related to mental health and sexuality. In 2020, at the U.S. Championships, Glenn placed fourth shortly after publicly coming out as pansexual. By 2026 she earned a place on the Winter Olympic team, becoming the oldest U.S. women’s singles skater to compete since 1928 and the first openly queer woman to represent the United States in Olympic figure skating. After the Games, Glenn returned to Plano with an Olympic gold medal, and the city honored her with a mayoral proclamation designating May 28, 2026, as “Amber Glenn Day.”
Community pride and future inspiration
These athletes’ stories reflect the deep roots of Plano’s sports culture, from robust youth programs to supportive families who prioritize faith, tradition, and personal liberty. Their successes serve as powerful examples for the next generation of Plano children, showing that dedication, hard work, and community backing can propel local talent onto the world stage.
Local schools, clubs, and civic leaders are encouraged to continue investing in facilities and coaching that nurture young athletes. By celebrating achievements like those of McCutcheon, Rivera, and Glenn, Plano reinforces its identity as a pipeline for excellence in athletics and a beacon of pride for Texas and the nation.
Original reporting: Plano Magazine — read the source article.
