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Which Arizona high schools are best for athletes? Here are the top 25

USA TODAY High School Sports

April 29, 2026, 11:57 a.m. ET

Arizona high school sports have emerged in recent years as one of the top states for prep talent. From basketball and football to baseball and golf, prominent names have emerged, building upon an impressive legacy of stardom.

Cody Bellinger and Brock Purdy hail from the Valley, while Amy Bockerstette has become one of the more notable names in golf with her inspiring journey. Next up is Koa Peat, who just declared for the NBA draft, set to join the ranks of elite athletes like Terrell Suggs, Cameron Jordan and Richard Jefferson who got their start in Arizona.

Which Arizona high schools are currently the best for athletes?

According to a study conducted by Niche, which accounts for U.S. Department of Education data and survey feedback from students and parents, the following are the top 25.

25. St. Johns High School (St. Johns)

Total number of sports: 21

24. Hamilton High School (Chandler)

Total number of sports: 20

23. Cienega High School (Vail)

Total number of sports: 21

22. Gilbert Christian Schools (Gilbert)

Total number of sports: 16

21. Centennial High School (Peoria)

Total number of sports: 17

20. Canyon Del Oro High School (Oro Valley)

Total number of sports: 23

Girls 100-meter hurdles Division 3 medalists Kirsten Lewis from Canyon del Oro, Sophia Bryant from St. Mary's, Remy Romney from ALA Queen Creek and Giselle Serrano from Bradshaw Mountain at AIA Division II/III State Track And Field Championships at Deer Valley.

19. Perry High School (Gilbert)

Total number of sports: 34

18. Sunnyslope High School (Phoenix)

Total number of sports: 22

17. Page High School

Total number of sports: 16

16. Desert Edge High School (Goodyear)

Total number of sports: 30

15. Chandler High School

Total number of sports: 33

14. Pinnacle High School (Phoenix)

Total number of sports: 24

13. Highland High School (Gilbert)

Total number of sports: 20

12. American Leadership Academy (Queen Creek)

Total number of sports: 16

11. Red Mountain High School (Mesa)

Total number of sports: 24

Red Mountain Mountain Lions Molly Moore (5) celebrates with her teammate Audrey Pacheco (11) after her interception against the Hamilton Huskies during their 6A AIA Flag Football Championship game at Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, on Nov. 24, 2025.

10. Arizona Lutheran Academy (Phoenix)

Total number of sports: 15

9. Liberty High School (Peoria)

Total number of sports: 16

8. Sabino High School (Tucson)

Total number of sports: 18

7. Casteel High School (Queen Creek)

Total number of sports: 29

6. Saguaro High School (Scottsdale)

Total number of sports: 21

5. Valley Christian Schools (Chandler)

Total number of sports: 30

4. Notre Dame Preparatory High School (Scottsdale)

Total number of sports: 24

3. Northwest Christian School (Phoenix)

Total number of sports: 26

2. Salpointe High School (Tucson)

Total number of sports: 30

1. Xavier College Preparatory High School (Phoenix)

Total number of sports: 25

Xavier Prep's Grayson Sumabat comes in second place in the boys' varsity race with a time of 15:39.20 at Xavier College Preparatory High School in Palm Desert, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025.

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