Developing Skills, Accountability, and Academic Balance in GPS Junior High Athletics

Athletic programs across Gilbert Public Schools junior high schools provide students with opportunities to build foundational skills, learn personal accountability, and develop a balance between classwork and team commitments. Across the district's junior high campuses, four nine-week athletic seasons allow students to explore new interests while receiving guidance from dedicated coaches and school staff.

Junior high athletics is a space for students to try new activities, build strong daily habits, and learn how to persevere. Administrators and coaching staff structure each nine-week season to teach lessons in teamwork, discipline, and managing adversity to complement classroom learning.

"Junior High is the perfect time for students to explore interests and try new things. During a  season, students find commitment, pride, and joy in being a part of a team," says Hannah Tautolo, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Mesquite Junior High.

Administrators design athletic schedules with  student experience and growth in mind. Each school year features four distinct athletic quarters, each offering four sports to allow students to participate in multiple athletic seasons throughout the year. 

Every athletic season includes at least one co-ed, non-cut sport, ensuring that every student can play a sport regardless of prior skill or experience. These are: cross country, wrestling, chess, and track and field. Students who try out for competitive rosters but are not selected can still be a part of the team while learning practical skills in roles such as team managers, statisticians, and film assistants.

• Quarter 1 Sports: Boys Volleyball, Boys Soccer, Softball, and Cross-Country (Co-ed, non-cut)
• Quarter 2 Sports: Girls Soccer, Boys Basketball, Winter Cheer, and Wrestling (Co-ed, non-cut)
• Quarter 3 Sports: Girls Basketball, Boys Flag Football, Spring Cheer, and Chess (Co-ed, non-cut)
• Quarter 4 Sports: Girls Volleyball, Girls Flag Football, Baseball, and Track and Field (Co-ed, non-cut)
• Registration Requirements: Completed online registration via RankOne.com and an annual AIA Sports Physical completed by a physician prior to tryouts.

South Valley Junior High hosts the district's Sports Performance Academy designed to provide student-athletes with an integrated academic schedule that combines core subject coursework in English, mathematics, science, and social studies with a specialized leadership development course and a shortened daily schedule. The academy's modified daily schedule releases participating students early in the afternoon, allowing additional time for specialized physical conditioning and skill acquisition without compromising classroom instruction.

Junior high athletic programs across all five comprehensive junior highs in the district and Gilbert Classical Academy are designed to support academics and help provide students with a supportive network of teammates and staff who encourage success across all areas of school life. Students build meaningful connections and learn skills that carry on into high school and beyond.

"As a part of Gilbert Public Schools Athletics, we strive to have great coaches who give our student-athletes strong foundational skills to help them as they move on to higher athletic levels. We also focus on the fact that they are student-athletes and encourage them to work hard at being a strong student as well," says Federico Yanez, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at South Valley Junior High.

Participating in junior high athletics connects students to support networks of peers and coaches that help guide their educational experience. Students and families can review seasonal schedules and registration details directly on their school’s website.

To participate in junior high athletics, students must complete an online registration through RankOne.com and an annual AIA Sports Physical completed by a physician prior to tryouts. Learn more about athletics, including opportunities for students to play sports across all grade levels, at GilbertSchools.net/Athletics.