From Friday night lights to packed gymnasiums, high school sports are drawing record numbers of student-athletes and fans across Georgia.
According to the NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, a staggering 8,266,244 students participated in high school sports nationally in 2024-25—an increase of 163,922 from 2023-24 and a record high total. This increase is a testament to the growing enthusiasm and dedication to high school sports nationwide.
Locally, high school sport participation in Georgia increased by 10,829 participants from the 2022-23 to the 2024-25 seasons, reaching 211,177 total participants in the most recent season.
Notably, non-traditional sports like girls’ flag football and esports are also experiencing significant growth. Girls’ flag football saw a 105% increase in participation from the 2022-23 to the 2023-24 school year, with over 20,000 new players nationwide.
“In 2024, more than 7,000 girls participated in girls’ flag football at more than 270 high schools throughout Georgia,” explained the Atlanta Falcons.
Esports also experienced a rise of approximately 3,000 students, totaling about 30,000 nationwide. Mount Pisgah offers both exciting sports, giving students multiple opportunities to partake in the growth of high school sports in their community.
This growth isn’t just for new sports, however. The number of students participating in wrestling increased significantly over the past year. For the first time, the number of boys’ wrestling students reached over 300,000—an incredible milestone for the sport. Girls’ wrestling numbers also grew, increasing participation by 15% and ~1,000 schools adding the sport to their athletic departments.
Even established sports like volleyball are making significant strides. Pope High School Volleyball, for instance, took the indoor sport to the next level by playing on their football field, drawing in around 1,500 fans and boosting volleyball’s viewership.
One of the most impactful additions to high school sports is Buford High School’s $62 million football stadium—the most expensive ever in Georgia. Funded by the city of Buford, the extravagant “Phillip Beard Stadium” holds 10,000 people and has a massive, double-sided digital scoreboard, 15 executive suites, decked-out locker rooms, a two-story fieldhouse and premium seating.
The luxuries don’t stop there—coverage of high school games is skyrocketing. Recently, ESPN Primetime featured Buford’s home opener in Phillip Beard Stadium. Buford took on Milton High School on Aug. 14, and with ESPN there to broadcast, the local high school team was showcased nationally.
These significant moments of growth and success for high school sports are not just about the games. They are about building a shared tradition and a strong sense of community. They are about sustaining an athletic culture that spans generations and brings together students, parents, alumni and local businesses.
They are about you, the local community, being part of something bigger.
Therefore, the surge of participation, investment, and visibility in Georgia high school sports is shaping not just games but also the future culture of athletics statewide, promising a bright and exciting future for high school sports in Georgia.
