Basketball may reign supreme in Kentucky, but that doesn’t take away from all of the other standouts from other sports who have come from the state over the last few decades.
From Louisville to Bowling Green to Lexington and every other corner of the state, the Kentucky high school sports scene is as rich as any in the country.
Which schools are considered the best for athletes in 2026?
According to a study conducted by Niche, which accounts for survey feedback from students and parents—accounting for “reviews of athletics, number of state championships, student participation in athletics, and the number of sports offered at the school”—and data from the U.S. Department of Education, these are the top 25.
25. Central Hardin High School (Cecilia)
- Total number of sports: 25
24. McCracken County High School (Paducah)
- Total number of sports: 17
23. Bishop Brossart High School (Alexandria)
- Total number of sports: 17
22. Bullitt East High School (Mount Washington)
- Total number of sports: 23
21. Warren East High School (Bowling Green)
- Total number of sports: 14
20. DeSales High School (Louisville)
- Total number of sports: 16
19. Lexington Christian Academy
- Total number of sports: 20
18. Pikeville High School
- Total number of sports: 22
17. Boyle County High School (Danville)
- Total number of sports: 31
16. Beechwood High School (Fort Mitchell)
- Total number of sports: 20
15. Christian Academy of Louisville
- Total number of sports: 25
14. Mercy Academy (Louisville)
- Total number of sports: 16
13. Notre Dame Academy (Park Hills)
- Total number of sports: 14
12. Larry A. Ryle High School (Union)
- Total number of sports: 24
11. Johnson Central High School (Paintsville)
- Total number of sports: 21
10. St. Henry District High School (Erlanger)
- Total number of sports: 47
9. Assumption High School (Louisville)
- Total number of sports: 15
8. Highlands High School (Fort Thomas)
- Total number of sports: 21
7. Lexington Catholic High School
- Total number of sports: 22
6. Louisville Male High School
- Total number of sports: 37
5. Covington Catholic High School (Park Hills)
- Total number of sports: 16
4. Owensboro Catholic High School
- Total number of sports: 16
3. Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville)
- Total number of sports: 16
2. Trinity High School (Louisville)
- Total number of sports: 21
1. Saint Xavier High School (Louisville)
- Total number of sports: 19
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY High School Sports Wire: See which Kentucky high schools are best for athletes in 2026