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Webster athletics report: participation over 50%, new teams and student leadership initiatives
Summary
Athletic directors told the Webster Central School District Board that more than half of secondary students participate in sports, new girls and unified teams were added, and a student athlete advisory committee launched in December.
Webster Central School District athletic directors told the Board of Education on Feb. 11 that athletic participation remains strong, new teams have been added and students are taking greater leadership roles.
The district offers 24 sports across middle and high schools and employs more than 250 paid coaches, the directors said. Using a roster-based measure and distinct-athlete counts, the district reported that more than 50% of students in grades 7–12 participated in at least one sport during 2023–24.
That growth has included new programs and expanded options: girls hockey, girls wrestling, modified unified basketball, unified bowling and added junior-varsity hockey were highlighted as recent additions. Athletic staff said the modifications and added teams are intended to broaden access at introductory levels and reduce the number of students who “fall through the cracks.”
Student-athlete academic performance received emphasis. District officials said more than 1,000 student-athletes across both high schools had a grade‑point average of 90 or higher last year. Directors said the district tracks scholar‑athlete and sportsmanship awards and pointed to state- and section-level recognitions for teams and coaches.
Directors outlined a new student athlete advisory committee, formed at the district level in December, with a student representative from every team and school. The committee’s work includes student-led sportsmanship trainings for modified athletes and semester events the students plan and run. Two student representatives at the meeting described how athletics strengthened their time management, leadership and social connections across schools.
Officials also said they are working to improve communication about team offerings and season start dates so students and families can more easily find and join teams. The district plans to launch a Webster Athletic Hall of Fame in December 2025 to recognize alumni and community contributors.
The presentation closed with directors thanking the broader support team — volunteers, trainers, event supervisors and district staff — noting the program’s scale depends on those behind-the-scenes roles.
