In Texas, the strength of the education-based athletics system continues to provide one of the nation’s most successful pipelines for student-athletes to reach their potential both in sports and academics, statewide coaches associations say. In a September 15 press release, the Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA) announced that it has joined forces with the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA), Athletic Directors Association (THSADA), Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association (THSBCA), Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC), Texas Six-Man Coaches Association (TSMCA), Cross Country Coaches Association of Texas (CCCAT), Texas Association of Golf Coaches (TAGC), Texas Association of Soccer Coaches (TASCO), Texas Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (TISCA), Texas Tennis Coaches Association (TTCA), Black Coaches of Texas (BCTX) and the Hispanic Texas High School Football Coaches Association. Together, these associations represent coaches from every corner of the state in a historic and unified stand to protect education-based athletics—marking a first-of-its-kind collaboration that reinforces and strengthens this proud tradition of success. Together, these associations are working to educate parents, athletes, and communities on the proven pathways available through public high school sports. For generations, Texas high school athletics have been the heartbeat of our communities—where Friday night lights illuminate more than just the field; they shine on a system that develops leaders, neighbors, and responsible young adults. “As sport-centric academies emerge across the nation, Texas stands by its proven education-based athletics approach that balances rigorous academics, expert coaching, community pride and both team and individual athletic success,” said a September 15 press release. The organizations say that “the date speaks for itself.” A recent Ecsell Sports & Education assessment of 14,000 Texas high school student-athletes revealed:

· 87.8% say athletic periods are the best use of their school day.

· 88.1% agree these periods make them better at their sport.

· 81.8% apply lessons from athletics to other parts of life.

· 90% say their coach challenges them to grow beyond their comfort zone.

“These results reflect a system where coaches are educators, not just trainers — nearly all Texas public

school coaches are certified teachers or on a certification pathway. In other states, over 50% of coaches are non-faculty,” the press release said. “That means Texas student-athletes benefit from more prepared, safety-trained, and academically invested mentors. Texas is also the most heavily recruited state in the country, producing more athletic scholarship offers than any other state. The balance of academics and athletics is real.”

There are hidden costs with sports-only academies, the coaches say. While some academies promise faster paths to success, research and real stories reveal another side:

· National studies show over 30% of youth athletes report burnout symptoms due to intense, year-round training and pressure.

· High-performance programs have been linked to overuse injuries and early specialization risks — which many college coaches view as limiting, not enhancing, athletic potential.

· Reports from other states cite environments where mental health needs go unmet, academic rigor suffers, or students are pushed to train through pain.

According to the coaches, education-based athletics in Texas are an extension of the classroom, designed to:

· Offer AP, honors, dual-credit courses alongside high-level athletic development,

· Provide access to academic advisors, mental health counselors, and intervention specialists,

· Foster multi-sport participation that reduces burnout and broadens athletic skills,

· Give students the freedom to explore interests beyond sports, from fine arts to STEM to student leadership

Only a small fraction of athletes will earn college athletic scholarships, and even fewer will play professionally. Texas public schools prepare all students — athletes and non-athletes alike — to succeed in life, no matter where the journey leads. “As new models compete for attention, Texas aims not to resist change, but to protect what works: a system that develops champions and leaders on and off the field,” the press release concluded. For more information, please contact the Texas Girls Coaches Association at tgca@austintgca.com or (512) 708-1333.