Top 10 Schools for Athletes in Florida

High school serves as a recruiting platform for athletes across the nation. Choosing the right school is essential in catching a college scout’s attention. If you’re hoping to get a scholarship, here are 10 schools in Florida you might want to consider.

1. IMG Academy (Bradenton) – With an athletic department that spans over 600 acres, IMG Academy is known for producing elite athletes who go on to excel in both college and the pros. At IMG Academy, academics and sports go hand-in-hand. That is why it has earned the reputation as “the ultimate training ground for passionate student-athletes.” IMG’s football, golf, basketball, tennis, soccer, track and field, and lacrosse programs are run by a staff of professional coaches, former athletes, and specialized trainers.

2. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) –  At St. Thomas Aquinas, there is a tradition of excellence and winning that puts the Raiders on the map, not only in the state of Florida but nationally as well. With 11 state championship titles and two national championship titles, St. Thomas Aquinas has a football program unlike any other. However, the Raiders’ athletic success doesn’t stop at football. St. Thomas Aquinas has also won multiple state titles in sports such as baseball, volleyball, tennis, soccer, swimming, and softball.

3. The Bolles School (Jacksonville) – Athletes from all over the world come to Jacksonville to be a part of The Bolles School. The Bulldogs have 140 team state titles and 17 national titles in swimming. Bolles doesn’t just produce professional athletes; they produce Olympians. 63 Bolles alumni have participated in the Olympics representing 28 countries. Some Bolles Olympians include swimmers Ryan Murphy and Joseph Schooling.

4. Christopher Columbus (Miami) – Athletics play a fundamental part in student life at Christopher Columbus. Teaching athletes the importance of self-discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship is a main focus of the Columbus athletic department. Columbus plays in Class 9A and 8A, making it the only private school in the state to compete at such a high level. Columbus offers students the opportunity to participate in sports such as roller hockey, fishing, and scuba diving.

5. Jesuit High School (Tampa) – At Jesuit High School, excellence in athletics is a tradition that runs deep. Jesuit is an all-male school that was founded in 1899. The Jesuit athletic program has won the FHSAA Boys Outstanding Athletic Program of the Year award seven times. The Tigers have won 20 state titles in sports such as soccer, football, baseball, swimming, cross country, track and field, and basketball.

6. Montverde Academy (Montverde) – Montverde Academy is known for its championship-winning athletic programs. In 2017, USA Today named Montverde Academy the best basketball program of the decade. The Eagles have won 13 national championships and have 32 alumni playing in the pros. Since 2011, athletes at Montverde Academy have earned over $18 million in athletic scholarships.

7. Bishop Moore Catholic (Orlando) – Bishop Moore Athletics strides to “provide an opportunity for growth in leadership and team building through exemplary athletic programs.” Last year, the Hornets took home 12 district championships, six regional championships, and two state titles for competitive cheer and adaptive track. Additionally, 35 Bishop Moore athletes were given scholarships to play college sports.

8. Belen Jesuit Prep (Miami) – Belen Jesuit is an all-male school where the tradition of athletic excellence has led to multiple championship titles in various sports. Belen Jesuit believes athletic achievement requires discipline, perseverance, and endurance and that they instill those traits in their student-athletes. The Wolverines have won state titles in crew, cross country, soccer, tennis, track and field, and water polo.

9. Archbishop McCarthy (Southwest Ranches) – At Archbishop McCarthy, the athletic department strives to provide student-athletes with coaches who are committed to nourishing sportsmanship and teamwork. The Mavericks have won 10 state championships, seven of which were in baseball. Other state championship titles include boys volleyball and girls golf.

10. The Pine Crest School (Fort Lauderdale/Boca Raton) – There is a well established tradition of athletic success at the Pine Crest School. Pine Crest has had athletes go on to play in college and professionally. The Panthers have won state titles in swimming and diving, volleyball, basketball, lacrosse, tennis, and crew.

Written by: Catherine Cavallo