ATHLETIC PROGRAMS
Naia Moctezuma, from NEISD's Roan Forest, won a Texas State Mountain Biking Championship.
Public schools offer a wide variety of athletic programs
Students can explore many choices when it comes to athletic programs. Public schools offer individual and team sports including:
- Baseball
- Softball
- Men’s and Women’s Basketball
- Beach Volleyball/ Court Volleyball
- Football
- Field Hockey/ Hockey
- Golf
- Lacrosse
- Men’s and Women’s Soccer
- Swimming, Water Polo, Fishing
- Tennis
- Track and Field/ Cross Country
- Gymnastics, Cheerleading, Yoga
- Wrestling
Health Education in Schools
Health and physical education introduces students to essential knowledge of:
- The human body
- Illnesses
- Nutrition
- Healthy lifestyles
What is the importance of physical education to kids?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines physical education in schools as instruction that develops knowledge, motor skills, and behaviors for physical activity and fitness. Physical education can provide students with the confidence and ability to be physically active throughout their lives.
Physical education benefits
- Improved standardized tests and grades
- The ability to stay on-task in the classroom
- Learning how to stay active and healthy
- Confidence in and out of school
How do student-athletes benefit from athletic programs?
The National Federation of State High School Associations states:
- Athletes are less likely to be sedentary and overweight.
- Athletic programs emphasize health and well-being.
- Students are less likely to participate in risky behavior or to experiment with drugs.
- Athletes earn higher grades.
- Students gain educational and occupational aspirations.
- Athletes have a high rate of college enrollment.
East Central ISD female athletes focus during powerlifting practice.
Athletic Scholarships for College
Colleges consider a student’s overall transcript, which includes test scores, grades, and extracurricular activities. These records give them an idea of a student’s ability to multitask and his or her general well-roundedness.
Scholarships for athletes
- Next College Student Athlete, is a college recruiting website, providing facts and suggestions on how to get recruited, as well as the various high school division levels.
- A Campus Explorer article states that colleges consider a student’s overall transcript, which includes test scores, grades, and extracurricular activities.
Do all college athletes get scholarships?
- A full-ride athletic scholarship is not possible for all student-athletes in high school. An academic scholarship must be considered as a supplemental form of aid.
- Student-athletes usually need good grades and test scores, like an ACT score of 25+, SAT of 1200, and a GPA of 3.5 in order to receive a full scholarship in college sports..
- Sports scholarships for athletes are available from corporations, non-profits, and individual donors. If you need help finding options, check out Scholarships.com for a list of ongoing opportunities.
After-School Sports Programs
Find out more about the sports and athletics options at local public schools by visiting their websites.
Sign up for newsletters to see what districts offer.
Tour campuses and attend high school sports games.
Southside ISD athletes celebrate a great play with teammates during an exciting football game.
School Athletics FAQ
What are school athletics programs?
School athletics programs are organized sports opportunities offered through public schools that allow students to participate in physical activities and team sports.
What sports are offered in school athletics programs?
Public school athletics programs may include a variety of sports such as:
- Football
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Soccer
- Track and field
- Volleyball
(Offerings may vary by school district.)
Who can participate in school sports?
Students enrolled in public schools may participate in athletics programs, depending on eligibility requirements set by the school or district.
Are school sports part of public education?
Yes. School athletics are part of the public school system and are offered as extracurricular programs that support student development.
Why are school sports important for students?
School sports help students:
- Stay physically active
- Learn teamwork and collaboration
- Build discipline and responsibility
- Stay engaged in school
Are school athletics programs free?
Many school sports programs are offered through public schools at no cost, though some may have fees for equipment, uniforms, or participation depending on the district.
Do students need tryouts to join sports teams?
Some sports teams may require tryouts or skill evaluations, depending on the program and level of competition.
When do school sports take place?
School athletics typically take place after school hours, with practices and games scheduled throughout the school year depending on the sport.
Do school sports require academic eligibility?
Yes. Students may need to meet academic and behavioral requirements to participate in school athletics programs.
Are school sports available at all grade levels?
Athletics opportunities vary by school and district, with different sports offered at middle school and high school levels.
What skills do students gain from participating in sports?
Students develop skills such as:
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Time management
- Physical fitness
How do school sports support student development?
School athletics support both physical health and personal development by encouraging responsibility, discipline, and teamwork.
Program Spotlight: Athletics
Student involvement in athletic programs can set them up for success and achievements throughout their academic life.
Athletic Program News
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Lake Travis ISD brought the community together for an unforgettable night of school spirit at its annual Homecoming Parade &
Brazosport ISD Celebrates Girls Water Polo
Back in October, Brazoswood High School and Brazosport ISD made history as the Brazoswood Girls Water Polo Team captured their
Azle ISD Wins 5A State Lineman Title
Azle ISD is thrilled to announce that the Azle High School football linemen made history on June 21 as they
Austin ISD Kicks Off Girls Flag Football
The Austin Independent School District hosted its first-ever Girls Flag Football Tournament, with support from the Dallas Cowboys and quarterback Dak Prescott.
Alvin ISD Achieves Second Straight State Track Title
Alvin ISD proudly celebrated a sweep of state track championships at Iowa Colony High School, where both the boys and
Angleton ISD Swimmers Commit to Collegiate Level
This summer, Angleton High School of Angleton ISD had two of their talented Wildcat swimmers, Ean Arbogast and Luke Cook, sign
Former Caddo Mills ISD Player Makes History
Kaydee Bennet, former Caddo Mills ISD Fox, has just won the Women’s College World Series with the Texas Longhorns. The
Forming Student-Athlete Leaders at Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
Over 100 Cypress-Fairbanks ISD student-athletes participated in the SALT leadership program at Berry Center. Through SALT, meaning Student Athlete Leadership
Lackland ISD runners participate in Cross Country competition.