Back to School 2025: GCPS athletics launches upgrades and title defenses in 2025-26

     On Monday, August 4, Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) will welcome back some of the best student-athletes in the nation as the 2025-26 school year begins.

     This year, GCPS is expanding opportunities for new and returning students to compete, introducing upgraded athletic facilities and a new enhanced athletics website and mobile app, which will serve as the hub for GCPS athletics. In addition, 10 GCPS student-athletes will return to defend their individual state titles. Seven GCPS teams will look to repeat as state champions, while 10 other teams will aim to capture a state title after finishing as runners-up last season.

     The district also welcomes new athletic leadership at several schools and Senior Citizen Athletic Passes for Gwinnett residents aged 65 and older. The passes provide free access to regular-season events across the county. These new additions reflect the district’s ongoing commitment to developing and supporting its world-class student athletes and their families.    

What’s New in GCPS Athletics:

• Middle School Sports Expansion: For the first time in 40 years, GCPS expanded its middle school athletics program to include girls’ volleyball, boys’ and girls’ cross country, and boys’ and girls’ soccer, building on existing basketball and cheer programs
• Facility Upgrades: Thanks to E-SPLOST funding, Dacula and Meadowcreek High Schools now feature brand-new LED stadium lighting, enhancing the game-day experience for athletes and spectators.
• New Digital Experience: GCPS has partnered with Mascot Media to launch a district-wide athletics website and mobile app, set to go live in late July. This platform will provide comprehensive coverage of all school athletic programs, making it easier than ever for families and fans to stay connected.
• Leadership Updates: Tracy Valentino has been named the new athletic director at Meadowcreek High School, and Chad Smith is the new athletic director at Central Gwinnett High School.
• Senior Citizen Athletic Passes: Gwinnett County residents aged 65 and older can now apply online for a Senior Citizen Athletic Pass, granting free admission to all regular-season GCPS athletic events. These passes and system retiree and employee passes are also honored at booster club–run invitational tournaments. (Note: Passes do not include entry to regional or state playoff events.)

Adapted Sports:

• In addition to traditional athletics, GCPS supports adapted sports, which offer inclusive competitive experiences for students with physical disabilities. These programs, provided in partnership with the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) and local community groups, include wheelchair basketball and handball and are aligned with the district’s commitment to access and equity for all students.

Athletic Participation & Forms

• All student-athletes must complete digital athletic forms via Rank One before participating in any school-related athletic activity. Physical forms must be uploaded to the school’s Rank One portal, and students must be enrolled at the school to register.
• Athletes, families, and fans are encouraged to visit the GCPS Athletics website at www.gcpsk12.org/athletics for up-to-date schedules, team information, and access to the GCPS Student-Athlete Code of Conduct, which outlines expectations for behavior, academic eligibility, and sportsmanship.

Celebrating 2024–25 Athletic Excellence

GCPS student-athletes and teams delivered another year of outstanding performances:

• Athletic Scholarships: GCPS student-athletes reported a record-breaking $101.1 million in athletic scholarships.
•  Team Achievements:
  • 307 teams qualified for the GHSA state playoffs
  • 42 region/area championships
  • 76 teams reached the Elite 8
  • 31 teams reached the Final 4
  • 10 state runner-up finishes
  • 7 state championships 
     
• Individual State Champions:
  • Wrestling: 5
  • Swim & Dive: 10 (4 boys, 6 girls)
  • Track & Field: 2 (1 boy, 1 girl)
     
• Schools Defending State Titles:
  • Brookwood:
    • 6A Boys & Girls Swim & Dive (girls are back-to-back champs),
    • 5A–6A Esports (Super Smash Bros.)
  • Grayson:
    • 6A Football
  • North Gwinnett:
    • Game Day Cheer
    • Esports (League of Legends)
  • Peachtree Ridge:
    • Competitive Dance (2 titles in 3 years)
       
• Georgia Athletic Directors Association Region Athletic Directors of the Year:
  •  Jeff Taylor (South Gwinnett, Region 4-6A)
  • Vinny Byams (Norcross, Region 7-6A)
  • Daniel Garrett (Dacula, Region 8-6A)

For more on registration, visit www.gcpsk12.org.