The State of High School Sports in America - An Evaluation of the Nation’s Most Popular Extracurricular Activity - July 2019 Women’s Sports Foundation Report

Oct 15, 2026

A Women’s Sports Foundation report evaluating high school sports as the nation’s most popular extracurricular activity. It reviews research and policy framing teen sport as an educational tool and public health asset, then examines how adolescent health and educational achievement during sport compare with other extracurricular activities. The study also explores a trend of schools dropping sports programs, presenting an executive summary, two major sections, results, discussion, and multiple appendices.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages94

Reading Time3 h 57 min

AccessFree to download

Executive Summary

Section 1: The Landscape of High School Sports Programs, 2000-16

Introduction

Sample

Conclusions

Section 2: Adolescent Development: The influence of Athletic Involvement Versus Other Extracurricular Activities

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

Appendix A: Section 1

Appendix B: Section 1

Appendix C: Section 2

References

THE STATE OF HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS IN AMERICA: An Evaluation of the Nation’s Most Popular Extracurricular Activity July 2019 A Women’s Sports Foundation Report [www.WomensSportsFoundation.org](www.WomensSportsFoundation.org) • 800.227.3988 Acknowledgments The State of High School Sports in America: An Evaluation of the Nation’s Most Popular Extracurricular Activity buildson previous research and policy that view teen sports as an educational tool and public health asset. However, little to no research has scrutinized how adolescent health and educational achievement in sport differs from other extracurricular activities engaged in by teens. Additionally, the authors were interested in exploring a previously identified trend of high schools dropping sports programs. The Women’s Sports Foundation is indebted to the study authors, Philip Veliz, Ph. D. , Marjorie Snyder, Ph. D. , and Don Sabo, Ph. D. whose creativity, writing acumen and research excellence brought this project to fruition. We also express our deep appreciation to Elizabeth Baran, Laura Reiser and Krista Kokjohn-Poehler for providing invaluable feedback from the study design phase to the analysis and the writing. A special note of acknowledgement and appreciation is extended, as well, to Deana Monahan for her editorial and graphic skills. This report was made possible through a partnership between the Women’s Sports Foundation® and the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation® . About Sports Matter DICK’S Sporting Goods has a long-standing commitment to promoting sports within the community. We believe that participation in sports truly make people better. They increase confidence and motivate athletes to reach their potential. They instill values; teach life lessons that extend well beyond the playing field, and help athletes overcome adversity. We believe sports make a difference. We believe Sports Matter. To learn more visit [sportsmatter.org](sportsmatter.org). About the Women’s Sports Foundation The Women’s Sports Foundation is a powerful voice, catalyst and convener dedicated to ensuring all girls have equal access to sports and physical activity and the tremendous life-long benefits they provide. Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, we seek to strengthen and expand opportunities for girls to participate in sports through research, education, advocacy and collaboration with national and local organizations, corporate partners and the sports industry. The Women’s Sports Foundation has relationships with more than 1,000 of the world’s elite female athletes and has positively shaped the lives of more than 3 million youth, high school and collegiate student-athletes. To learn more about the Women’s Sports Foundation, [please visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org](please visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org) or follow us at @WomensSportsFdn [and www.facebook.com/WomensSportsFoundation](and www.facebook.com/WomensSportsFoundation). For more information, [visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org](visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org). Follow us: [www.Facebook.com/WomensSportsFoundation](www.Facebook.com/WomensSportsFoundation)[ ](www.Facebook.com/WomensSportsFoundation) Twitter @WomensSportsFdn Instagram @WomensSportsFoundation Contact us at [Info@WomensSportsFoundation.org](Info@WomensSportsFoundation.org) I The State of High School Sports in America: An Evaluation of the Nation’s Most Popular Extracurricular Activity [www.WomensSportsFoundation.org](www.WomensSportsFoundation.org) • 800.227.3988 This report may be downloaded [from WomensSportsFoundation.org. This](from WomensSportsFoundation.org. This) report may be reproduced and distributed only in its entirety. Any material taken from this report and published or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, must be properly attributed to The State of High School Sports in America: An Evaluation of the Nation’s Most Popular Extracurricular Activity published by the Women’s Sports

FAQs

What is the report’s main purpose?

To evaluate high school sports as the nation’s most popular extracurricular activity and assess how adolescent outcomes during sport compare with other extracurricular activities.

How does the report describe changes in high school sports programs over time?

It examines the landscape of high school sports programs from 2000 to 2016, including non-offering of sports, numbers of sports and teams, and participation rates.

What aspects of adolescent development does the report study?

It compares athletic involvement with other extracurricular activities, covering key measures, trends, results, and a discussion of the influence on adolescent development.

Oct 15, 2026

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