Kristen Hemphill (Nichols) (Track and Field, 2005-2010)
A
2010 All-American in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, Hemphill won three Mountain West championships and was named to two academic All-American teams and two academic all-conference teams during her career. Hemphill was named the 2010 Virginia Frank Award winner for best female athlete at CSU. In 2008, she broke the school record in the 3,000 indoor run and the outdoor 3,000 steeplechase; in 2010 she was named the conference athlete of the week April 20, 2010. She was also a member of the 2008 MW women's
outdoor championship team.
Rashard Higgins (Football, 2013-2015)
Arguably
the greatest receiver in school history, nicknamed "Hollywood", Rashard Higgins left the Rams with school records for career receiving yards (3,649), career receptions (239), career touchdown receptions (31), as well as the single-season records in all three categories. During his three-year career at CSU, Higgins set nine school records. One of only five consensus All-Americans in program history, Higgins was a finalist for the 2014 Biletnikoff Award. During his 2014 season, he led the nation in
receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Higgins was a two-time All-Mountain West selection and helped lead the Rams to two bowl games. Invited to the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine, Higgins was chosen by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the draft. He played six seasons with Cleveland and one with the Carolina Panthers. Following the 2022 season, Higgins retired after seven in the
NFL.
Kenny Hines (Football, Wrestling; 1962-1964)
A
two-sport standout for Colorado State, Hines excelled for the football and wrestling teams in his time as a Ram. He became the only African American wrestler to earn All-American honors when he placed fifth at 191 at the 1963 NCAA Championships. It was also in 1963 when he led the football team in rushing, scoring and total offense. In one game, Hines rushed for 103 yards, just the third player for the Rams since 1950 to hit the plateau. After graduation, Hines worked in the CSU veterinary department as
a safety coordinator. Hines passed away in the spring of 2024.