School District: Athletic opportunities for girls are continuing to expand
New athletic opportunities continue to be offered for female students enrolled in the School District of Lee County.
The School Board was updated on the number of athletes in the district during an Educational Equity Report Tuesday afternoon. During the 2019-2020 school year there were 7,052 athletes in the district, compared to 6,237 students during the 2020-2021 school year. The numbers rose again to 7,044 students during the 2021-2022 school year.
“The COVID year participation rate dropped to 6,237. We had an increase of 807 athletes,” Athletics & Activities Director David LaRosa said.
He said the district last year added girls wrestling, which attracted 600 girls across the state who participated in the inaugural season.
“We are working to continue to grow that sport,” LaRosa said.
Another girls athletic opportunity is sand volleyball/beach volleyball, again to provide female athletes another opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities.
Next year, 2023-2024, LaRosa said they are adding girls flag football.
“For three years in a row (we) continue to give opportunities for female athletes to get involved in sports,” LaRosa said.
According to the presentation, the number of female athletes was at its highest during the 2019-2020 school year with 2,777 students, compared to 4,275 male athletes. Last year there were 2,689 female athletes and 4,355 male athletes.
For additional information, visit www. leeschools.net
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