Back-to-school means back to the fields and courts too. This year Portsmouth high school students have a message of good sportsmanship for peers and spectators.
For some student athletes it’s all about the feeling on the field, but for many it’s something more too. Several student-athletes told News 3 that participating in sports helps them in life.
“To my generation I say it is very important. Keeps people out of gang violence, violence in general, out of trouble. It keeps your grades on track,” said Churchland cheerleader Jeniyah Spruill.
Watch: Next Level Athletes guides student-athletes through off-field questions
Next Level Athletes helps student-athletes off the field
Participation in high school sports is rebounding too after a decline in 2018. The NFHS reports more than 7.8 million kids participated in high school sports across the country in 2022-2023 and more than 8 million kids competed in the 2023-2024 school year — an all time record.
And in Portsmouth Public Schools? School leaders and kids expect this year to be big for athletes and crowds.