In a changing sports landscape, one question matters more than ever: What do we want high school sports to be? College athletics is having a national conversation about its future and what it wants to become. Those debates are a good reminder that high school sports are unlike any other level of athletics, and that…
The NFHS School Honor Roll Program recognizes schools whose coaches have completed professional development through NFHS Learning Center coursework. This national distinction honors a school and its coaches’ dedication and commitment to students and education-based programs. Schools that apply and meet the requirements will earn a banner to hang in their school, highlighting this national achievement. During…
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (June 17, 2026) — Davis Whitfield, who has served as chief operating officer (COO) of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) for the past 11 years, has been named chief executive officer (CEO) of the NFHS, effective August 1, 2026. Whitfield was among three finalists who were interviewed by the…
The NFHS School Honor Roll Program recognizes schools whose coaches have completed professional development through NFHS Learning Center coursework. This national distinction honors a school and its coaches’ dedication and commitment to students and education-based programs. Schools that apply and meet the requirements will earn a banner to hang in their school, highlighting this national achievement. During…
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Students across the country can now earn a nationally recognized credential that highlights their leadership skills, personal growth, and positive contributions to interscholastic programs and school communities. With the recent launch of the NFHS Learning Center course “Student Mental Wellness,” students are now eligible to earn the new NFHS National Student Credential….
Longtime Murphy High School football coach David Gentry, the winningest coach in North Carolina high school football history, has been selected for the 2026 National High School Hall of Fame class. Gentry finished his career with 426 wins and nine state championships, building one of the state’s most dominant programs. He was previously inducted into…
By Dr. Karissa Niehoff, Chief Executive Officer of the NFHS, and Que Tucker, Commissioner of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) High school sports are experiencing record participation. It is also experiencing unprecedented pressure. Across the country, young athletes are training earlier, competing year-round, and navigating expectations shaped by a rapidly expanding youth sports economy. For many families, athletics…
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (January 20, 2026) — Twenty-four high school coaches from across the country have been selected as 2024-25 National Coaches of the Year by the NFHS Coaches Association. The NFHS, which has been recognizing coaches through an awards program since 1982, honors coaches in the top 10 girls sports and top 10 boys sports…
Dr. Karissa L. Niehoff, NFHS Chief Executive Officer Rivalry games are among the most highly anticipated – and hotly contested – matchups in high school sports every year. Some of these games have been played annually for decades, so the emotions are higher, and the intensity is stronger to secure bragging rights for another…
Indiana, IN – Minimizing risk during high school sports and activities remains paramount to the NFHS. As such, the institution of the Pre-Event Medical Meeting (PEMM) is strongly encouraged at all events during the 2025-26 school year. Formerly referred to as the pregame Medical Time Out (MTO), the PEMM ensures that venue- and team-specific, written…
