On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, the Plano ISD Sockwell Center hosted the annual Athletics Hall of Honor Inductee Luncheon, a heartfelt celebration of the district's most distinguished athletes, coaches, and contributors. These honorees have not only excelled on the field but have also left indelible marks on their communities and the broader world of sports.
Rex Burkhead – Plano Senior High School
Rex Burkhead (center) pictured with Dr. Selenda Freeman, Dr. Theresa Williams and Lonnie Jordan
Rex Burkhead, a Plano Senior High School graduate, is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished athletes to come out of Plano ISD. During his time at Plano, he established himself as a dominant force on the football field, rushing for more than 5,000 career yards and earning all-state honors twice. His athleticism extended beyond football—he was also recognized in basketball and track, earning All-District honors in each sport. Known for his discipline, character and leadership even as a teenager, Burkhead left a lasting legacy at Plano Senior High.
He went on to play college football at the University of Nebraska, where he quickly became a fan favorite. Burkhead finished his collegiate career ranked fifth all-time in rushing yards at Nebraska with 3,329 yards and scored 30 rushing touchdowns. In 2011, he rushed for over 1,300 yards and was named First Team All-Big Ten by the conference coaches. That same year, he received Nebraska’s Student-Athlete Hero Leadership Award and was a finalist for the Senior CLASS Award, which honors student-athletes for excellence in community, classroom, character and competition. Despite battling injuries in his senior season, Burkhead capped off his college career with a 140-yard performance against Iowa, once again proving his toughness and dependability.
He was selected in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, where he played four seasons before signing with the New England Patriots. His NFL career took off in New England, where he became known for his versatility—contributing as a runner, receiver, blocker and on special teams. In the 2018 AFC Championship Game, Burkhead scored three touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime, to help the Patriots reach Super Bowl LIII, which they would go on to win. He later joined the Houston Texans, where he continued to serve as a veteran presence and locker room leader.
Off the field, Burkhead is admired for his humility and heart. He formed a special bond with a young Nebraska fan named Jack Hoffman, a pediatric brain cancer patient. Their friendship led to the formation of the Team Jack Foundation, which raises awareness and funding for pediatric brain cancer research. The story gained national attention when Hoffman ran for a 69-yard touchdown during the 2013 Nebraska Spring Game, a moment that became symbolic of Burkhead’s impact both on and off the field.
Keenan Robinson – Plano East Senior High School
Keenan Robinson (center) pictured with Dr. Selenda Freeman, Dr. Theresa Williams and Lonnie Jordan
Keenan Robinson, a standout linebacker from Plano East Senior High School, made a name for himself early on as a fierce competitor with a high football IQ and explosive athleticism. At Plano East, he anchored the Panthers' defense, earning all-district honors and attracting attention from top college programs across the country. Known for his speed, range, and leadership on and off the field, Robinson quickly became one of the area’s most sought-after recruits.
He went on to play college football at the University of Texas, where he spent five years, including a redshirt season. Over the course of his Longhorn career, Robinson played in 51 games and started 39, including appearances in both the Big 12 Championship and the BCS National Championship games. He recorded a career-high 10 tackles in the Big 12 title game and followed that with seven tackles and a half-sack in the national championship. He was a two-time semifinalist for the Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker, and earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors. In 2011, he was named Defensive MVP of the Holiday Bowl after a standout performance. That same year, he appeared on watch lists for the Bednarik Award, Nagurski Trophy and Lombardi Award, cementing his status as one of the most respected defensive players in college football.
Robinson was selected in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. Despite early setbacks due to injury, he broke out in 2014 with a strong season, finishing second on the team in tackles and making several game-changing plays, including interceptions and fumble recoveries. He later spent time with the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills, continuing to provide veteran leadership and production from the linebacker position.
Chesley Dabbs – Plano Senior High School
Chesley Dabbs (center) pictured with Dr. Selenda Freeman, Dr. Theresa Williams and Lonnie Jordan
A standout at Plano Senior High School, Chesley Dabbs was a force on the court from the moment she stepped into District 9-5A play. As a sophomore, she was named District Newcomer of the Year, the Dallas Morning News All-Metro Newcomer of the Year, and made the State Tournament All-Tournament Team. She continued to dominate over the next two seasons—earning First Team All-State honors as a junior and senior, and being named both District Offensive MVP and Defensive MVP. Dabbs also made appearances in multiple high-profile all-star games, including the TABC, TGCA and Oil Bowl All-Star Games, and was nominated for the McDonald’s All-American and Nike All-Star Games.
She finished her high school career with 1,684 points, averaging 20 points, 10 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 3 steals per game, while shooting an impressive 52% from the field and 45% from beyond the arc. Dabbs was also a member of the 2002 18U AAU National Champion Arlington Golden Eagles.
Dabbs took her talents to Texas Tech University, where she became a fixture for the Lady Raiders. She played in 86 career games, starting 46, and racked up 626 total points while shooting over 44% from the field.
As a junior, Dabbs started all 32 games and was named Second Team All-Big 12 by the coaches, while also earning First Team Academic All-Big 12 honors. She recorded multiple 20-point performances, including a career-high 22 points at Colorado, and averaged 12.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. She was also named to the All-Tournament Team at the Las Vegas Duel in the Desert, and contributed significantly in Big 12 and NCAA Tournament play.
Despite a knee surgery that caused her to sit out a year, Dabbs returned to make a major impact on both ends of the floor, consistently contributing with points, rebounds, assists and defensive stops throughout her career.
Rick Hardison – Plano ISD Coach
Coach Rick Hardison (center) pictured with Dr. Selenda Freeman, Dr. Theresa Williams and Lonnie Jordan
Rick Hardison's coaching career with Plano ISD spanned nearly four decades, beginning in 1984. He served as an assistant coach in football, basketball, and track until 1996, mentoring athletes to state-level achievements, including a State Champion long jumper in 1996.
Transitioning to golf, Hardison became an assistant coach at Plano Senior High and later at Plano West Senior High School. His leadership led to three individual 6A State Golf Champions in 2002, 2016, and 2017, and two team championships in 2008 and 2016. In recognition of his contributions, he was named North Texas High School Golf Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 2008.
Sharon Rollins – Special Assistant Athletic Director
Sharon Rollins (center) pictured with Coach Tom Kimbrough (center left) and her family
For 29 years, Sharon Rollins has been a cornerstone of the Plano ISD Athletic Department. As Special Assistant Athletic Director, she has been instrumental in supporting coaches and athletes, ensuring the smooth operation of athletic programs across the district. Her tenure has spanned the leadership of Athletic Directors Tom Kimbrough, Cliff Odenwald, Gerald Brence, Jeff Smith, and Lonnie Jordan, reflecting her adaptability and unwavering commitment to excellence.
2006 Plano Senior High School Boys Basketball Team
Members of the 2006 Plano Senior High School Boys Basketball State Championship Team at the Plano ISD Hall of Honor Luncheon
The 2005–2006 Plano Senior High School boys basketball team etched its name into Texas high school sports history by capturing the Class 5A state championship—the first in the school's history. Under the leadership of head coach Tom Inman and assistant coach Phil Parlin, the Wildcats demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the season, culminating in a thrilling 60–58 overtime victory against the defending champions, Humble Kingwood, in the state final.
The championship game was a showcase of talent and tenacity. Junior guard John Roberson led Plano with 24 points, including six three-pointers, and was named the game's Most Valuable Player. Senior forward Joseph Fulce also made significant contributions, earning a spot on the All-Tournament Team. The game concluded dramatically when Kingwood's Nic Wise, who had scored 32 points and made seven three-pointers, missed a potential game-winning shot at the buzzer, sealing Plano's victory.
The Wildcats' journey to the championship was marked by significant victories, including a narrow 48–45 win over Richardson Berkner in the semifinals. The team's roster featured a blend of experienced seniors and promising underclassmen.
