Predominant High School Sports by Gender

So, I'm trying to get a sense of the sports scene in different high schools. What ends up being the most popular sports for men and women in high school these days? Are there any noticeable trends?

There are significant variances in the popularity of different sports across the country, but overall there are a few that tend to consistently top the list. For boys, some of the most widely played sports in high schools across the U.S. include football, basketball, and track and field, according to participation numbers from yearly surveys. Baseball is also still quite popular in many areas.

Likewise, for girls, basketball and track and field often have high numbers of participants. In recent years, soccer and volleyball have also seen significant growth in popularity among female high school athletes. Another longstanding sport for girls is softball.

It’s important to remember that trends can change over time due to a variety of factors. For example, in previous decades, football was significantly more popular than it is today, but concerns about sports-related injuries have led some students and parents to opt for other sports instead.

Additionally, trends can also shift demographically and regionally. For instance, areas with a strong soccer culture, such as the Pacific Northwest or areas with a large Latino population, may see higher participation in high school soccer.

Furthermore, schools and communities are dedicating more resources to less traditional sports such as lacrosse, golf, and cross country. Some less common sports like rowing or rugby may be predominantly played in private schools or areas with specific geographic features (for example, rowing is popular in areas with large bodies of water).

Paying attention to these trends can give you insight into the ongoing changes in high school sports, whether you're choosing one to participate in or trying to understand the broader sports culture.