Updated August 5, 2020 |
Infoplease Staff
Table of contents
In 2012–2013, high school sports participation reached an all-time high of 7,713,577, including 3,222,723 girls and 4,490,854 boys. See the table below to compare the ten most popular sports for the academic years beginning in 2006 and 2012.
| 2006–2007 | 2012–2013 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sex and sport | Participants | Sex and sport | Participants |
| Male | Male | ||
| Football (11-player) | 1,104,548 | Football (11-player) | 1,086,627 |
| Basketball | 556,269 | Track & Field (outdoor) | 580,672 |
| Track & Field (outdoor) | 544,180 | Basketball | 538,676 |
| Baseball | 477,430 | Baseball | 474,791 |
| Soccer | 377,999 | Soccer | 410,982 |
| Wrestling | 257,246 | Wrestling | 270,163 |
| Cross Country | 216,085 | Cross Country | 249,200 |
| Golf | 159,747 | Tennis | 157,247 |
| Tennis | 156,944 | Golf | 152,584 |
| Swimming & Diving | 106,738 | Swimming & Diving | 138,177 |
| Female | Female | ||
| Basketball | 456,967 | Track & Field (outdoor) | 472,939 |
| Track & Field (outdoor) | 444,181 | Basketball | 433,120 |
| Volleyball | 405,832 | Volleyball | 420,208 |
| Softball (fast pitch) | 373,448 | Soccer | 371,532 |
| Soccer | 337,632 | Softball (fast pitch) | 362,488 |
| Cross Country | 183,376 | Cross Country | 214,369 |
| Tennis | 176,696 | Tennis | 181,116 |
| Swimming & Diving | 143,639 | Swimming & Diving | 163,992 |
| Competitive Spirit Squads | 95,177 | Competitive Spirit Squads | 116,508 |
| Golf | 66,283 | Lacrosse | 77,258 |
Source: 2006-2007 High School Participation Survey; 2012-2013 High School Athletics Participation Survey by the National Federation of State High School Associations.
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| Elementary and High School Education |
