Wisconsin Girls High School Basketball Participation Drops

Experts cite rise in club sports, single-sport specialization as factors behind declining numbers

Feb. 11, 2026 at 8:07pm

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Girls high school basketball participation in Wisconsin has dropped by almost 25% over the last 15 years, according to the National Federation of High School Sports. Coaches and officials cite factors like the rise in club sports, single-sport specialization, and the time and financial commitment required to play varsity basketball as contributing to the decline. They encourage girls to maintain their passion for basketball and participate in multiple sports.

Why it matters

The decline in girls high school basketball participation in Wisconsin is concerning, as the sport provides valuable experiences and lessons for young athletes. Maintaining strong high school basketball programs is important for the continued growth and exposure of the sport, especially with the increasing popularity of women's college and professional basketball.

The details

Green Bay Southwest High School is one example of the participation problem, having to drop its varsity girls basketball team due to low numbers. The school's junior varsity coach, Ronald Jackson, is working to rebuild the program from the ground up. Players like Tia Thao and Demianna Kaquatosh expressed disappointment over the varsity team's struggles and cancellation. WIAA assistant director Melissa Gehring and Wisconsin Blaze club team president Lisa Van Wyk cite factors like the rise in club sports, single-sport specialization, and the time and financial commitment required to play varsity basketball as contributing to the statewide decline.

  • The WIAA will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the girls state basketball tournament in March 2026.
  • Girls high school basketball participation in Wisconsin dropped by almost 25% from 12,479 in 2009-2010 to 9,482 in 2023-24.

The players

Ronald Jackson

The head coach of the Green Bay Southwest High School junior varsity girls basketball team.

Chris Williams

The athletic director at Green Bay Southwest High School.

Tia Thao

A junior and team captain on the Green Bay Southwest High School girls basketball team.

Demianna Kaquatosh

A sophomore on the Green Bay Southwest High School girls basketball team.

Melissa Gehring

The assistant director of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA).

Lisa Van Wyk

The president and founder of the Wisconsin Blaze club basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“I want the whole program to thrive, man. We'll get there. I promise you we're gonna get there. We just gotta keep pushing.”

— Ronald Jackson, Green Bay Southwest High School Junior Varsity Girls Basketball Coach

“Tough decision not to have varsity this year, but I think we're doing the right thing by building the program from the ground up again.”

— Chris Williams, Green Bay Southwest High School Athletic Director

“For me it was a little bit upsetting, especially for being an upperclassman and also a team captain to some of these girls. I was, you know, hoping to be able to lead the program and, you know, make sure the program is going to continue to grow.”

— Tia Thao, Green Bay Southwest High School Junior

“It definitely had a downfall on our positivity and liking of the game.”

— Demianna Kaquatosh, Green Bay Southwest High School Sophomore

“I do believe the experience of playing girls basketball and what you learn from it and representing your school is one of the most awesome things you can do.”

— Melissa Gehring, WIAA Assistant Director

What’s next

Gehring and Van Wyk encourage girls to maintain their passion for basketball and participate in multiple sports, as studies have shown this to be beneficial both physically and mentally. With the growing exposure of women's college and professional basketball, they believe the participation numbers can head back in the right direction.

The takeaway

The decline in girls high school basketball participation in Wisconsin is a complex issue with no single cause, but factors like the rise in club sports, single-sport specialization, and the time and financial commitment required to play varsity basketball have all contributed. Maintaining strong high school basketball programs and encouraging girls to play multiple sports are crucial for the continued growth and exposure of the sport.