01/13/2026
EDUCATE. EXCEL. PLAY.
(A THSCA INITIATIVE SUPPORTED BY NEARLY EVERY HS SPORTS ORGANIZATION IN TEXAS.)
Protecting Education-Based Athletics in Texas:
Texas high school athletics are more than competition—they are the heartbeat of our communities. Friday nights under the lights, rivalries that go back generations, and the pride of wearing your hometown’s colors are woven into the fabric of our state. Unlike other places, Texas has held onto a model where student-athletes represent their local schools, coached by educators who care about their growth both in the classroom and on the field. That system is now threatened by sport-centric academies and programs that recruit athletes away from their public schools, prioritizing athletic performance over education.
The difference between education-based athletics and sport-centric academies extends beyond location—it’s a matter of philosophy. In our public schools, athletics are an extension of the classroom. They teach discipline, teamwork, and how to balance responsibilities—skills that prepare students for success long after graduation.
Texas coaches are professionals—well-trained, certified educators who devote their careers to developing the whole student, not just the athlete. We create strong relationships throughout a rigorous school environment, where kids are provided high-quality coaching in their local communities while competing against the best programs in the state. When we shift to a model that values wins and personal stats above academics, we risk losing the very qualities that make Texas high school athletics unique.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO GET INVOLVED, PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK: thsca.com/educate-excel-play
Johnnie B. “Hawk” Carter
Executive Director
