Indianapolis, Indiana – Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is seeing a marked rise in student-athlete success, thanks to continued investment in athletic facilities and academic support. District Athletic Manager Josh Varno shared these achievements and the department’s vision for the future during a presentation to the Board of School Commissioners on Thursday.
Varno emphasized the positive impact of these initiatives on both athletic performance and academic success. “Our mission is to provide all IPS students with various worthwhile athletic opportunities that support their holistic development,” Varno said. “Participating in athletics plays a critical role in student growth—it improves physical and mental health, enhances cognitive function, and helps build confidence. Through sports, our students also develop key life skills like time management, leadership, and teamwork that benefit them both in the classroom and beyond.”
As part of the district’s broader Rebuilding Stronger initiative, significant improvements have been made to athletic facilities across the district. The department has dedicated over a year to enhancing resources for middle and high school student-athletes alike, ensuring they have access to state-of-the-art amenities. These upgrades include the addition of new turf fields, modernized lighting, and upgraded sound systems. Varno highlighted that these improvements will bring middle school sports facilities on par with their high school counterparts, fostering a more consistent and robust experience for student-athletes.
These facility improvements have already yielded results in terms of participation. Varno noted that sports participation has surged in recent months. “Fall sports participation is up 111%, and winter sports are up 18% over the previous year,” Varno reported. This surge demonstrates a growing interest in athletics, which is directly linked to the district’s ongoing investments in the athletic infrastructure.
The impact of these upgrades extends beyond middle schools to the high school level as well. Notable improvements have been made at several high schools, including Crispus Attucks, Shortridge, George Washington, and Arsenal Tech, with new tracks and fields being added to these campuses. Varno believes these investments will continue to inspire students to engage in athletic activities, further enriching their overall educational experience.
One of the most promising trends Varno pointed out was the correlation between athletic involvement and academic success. IPS student-athletes have consistently outperformed their peers in academic metrics. During the 2023–24 school year, student-athletes had GPAs that were 22% higher than the general student population. Additionally, they exhibited 10% higher attendance and 34% fewer behavior issues. These figures underline the significant role athletics plays in the development of well-rounded students, capable of excelling both academically and athletically.
While facilities and participation are key factors, the district’s commitment to academic support remains crucial. IPS has long recognized the importance of helping student-athletes balance their athletic commitments with their academic responsibilities. To that end, the district provides study halls, tutoring, and mentoring to ensure students receive the support they need. This holistic approach not only enhances their athletic performance but also increases their chances of success and graduation.
Looking toward the future, Varno outlined a strategic plan for continued development. The focus of this plan will be on three key areas: student-athlete development, operations, and community engagement. Varno expressed confidence that the ongoing investments in these areas would allow IPS to continue nurturing its student-athletes and fostering a culture of excellence in both athletics and academics.
“We are excited about the future of athletics at IPS,” Varno said. “Our student-athletes are thriving, and with continued investments in their development, we’re poised for even greater success in the years to come.”
In conclusion, IPS’s athletics program is not just about competition; it’s about creating opportunities for students to thrive in every aspect of their lives. With continued investments in facilities, academics, and student development, the district is paving the way for a brighter future for its student-athletes and ensuring that IPS remains a leader in both sports and education.
