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New athletics director highlights growth, capacity limits and training gaps in SPPS sports programs
Summary
Andrea Schmidt, SPPS director of athletics, told the board that middle- and high-school sports registration is rising after pandemic declines, but capacity, coach training and athletic-trainer shortages are constraining participation; district is pursuing scheduling, partnerships and grant funding.
Andrea Schmidt, Saint Paul Public Schools’ new director of athletics, told the board on Jan. 6 that registration for middle- and high-school sports is trending upward after pandemic-era drops — but the district faces capacity limits, staffing challenges and gaps in athletic training services.
Schmidt said registration data show middle-school numbers climbing toward pre-pandemic levels and that fall 2025 registrations for 2025–26 were “trending slightly higher” than the prior year. She cautioned that the numbers are registration, not confirmed participation, and that some schools must cap teams because of gym and field limits.
The director summarized an initial fall survey in which families rated their experience about 4 out of 5; respondents praised coaches and social benefits of team participation but flagged inconsistent communication, scheduling inaccuracies and limited playing time at high-interest schools. "Communication is always something that I have received as, like, there could be improvement," Schmidt said.
Schmidt described a national shortage of athletic trainers that led to a cancelled contract in the fall and a winter arrangement with a firm that places independent contractors at varsity and high-impact events. "ATs are really impactful humans for our students," she said, noting the district is working to create more consistent coverage and office hours.
On programming, Schmidt reviewed cooperative-team procedures (formal MSHSL-level agreements at the high school level, more flexible arrangements for middle schools) and long-term priorities: amplify student voice, expand student leadership opportunities, strengthen city partnerships (including parks and rec) and establish a single plan for athletic training services.
She also flagged upcoming program growth — girls flag football and girls wrestling — and noted a Minnesota Vikings grant opportunity (about $15,000) to support girls flag football start-ups. Board members asked how to improve access for credit-deficient students who rely on sports for engagement and explored partnering with community education and parks and rec for pre-season skill development.
Schmidt offered to meet with board members for follow-up and said she will continue outreach to increase survey response rates and refine scheduling tools.
