Athletics

The Grand Rapids Public Schools Athletics Department currently manages and supports 40 seasonal athletic programs available for GRPS scholars in kindergarten through 12^th grade.

Our Vision for Athletics

Grand Rapids Public Schools will create educational opportunities and experiences, through athletics, that will enhance scholar achievement, scholar development, and school culture.

Why Participate in Athletics?

As a district, we believe that the participation in athletic programs is essential for scholars to develop teamwork and self-discipline while building self-confidence - skills that help prepare scholars for the real world. We strive to provide an environment where our scholars are encouraged to learn new skills, dedicated to practicing those skills, and rewarded for their hard work. Athletics allows scholars to build positive relationships with their peers by learning sportsmanship in competition.

Athletic Programs

Athletic programs are available to scholars at all of our schools. To learn more about what athletic programs are offered by grade, please review the elementary, middle, and high school athletic pages by clicking the buttons below. You can also contact your school directly for more information about athletic programming at a specific school or throughout the district.

Elementary Athletics Middle School Athletics High School Athletics

District Athletic News & Events

Winning the Frame: An Inside Look at the Bengals Bowling Team

At Ottawa Hills, bowling is more than a pastime. It’s a disciplined sport, a mental game, and a lifestyle for bowlers on the team.

Fast and Ferocious: Bengals Basketball Ready to Return to the Court

The Ottawa Hills Bengals approach the 2025-2026 season with fresh determination and a clear sense of what they want to achieve.

New Blueprint, New Culture: Union Boys Basketball redefine who they are

Union boys basketball is entering a new era, and the tone was set long before the first ball even touched the court.

Bengals Take the Mat with Veteran Leader and Rising New Talent

The Ottawa Hills Bengals enter the upcoming wrestling season with a renewed sense of ambition, guided once again by head coach Ryan Davis.

GRPS Turkey Trot breaks all-time participation record with more than 6,500 runners

The 33rd annual GRPS Turkey Trot made history on Thanksgiving morning, once again setting an all-time participation record.

40 Redhawk Wrestlers Prepare for Season, First-Ever Sandee Tournament

As the winter sports season approaches, the Union Redhawks wrestling team is gearing up for one of its most ambitious seasons in recent memory.

Turkey Trot adds food drive to help families during the holiday season

On Thanksgiving morning, runners participating in the 33rd annual Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) Turkey Trot will have the opportunity to support both GRPS scholar-athletes and families in need.

Redhawks Volleyball Player Earns All-Conference Honorable Mention

Union High School proudly recognizes senior Jasmin Galvan-Flores for earning All-Conference Honorable Mention in the OK Gold Division for volleyball.

Five Bengals Named All-Conference First Team

Following an impressive 2nd-place team finish at the OK Rainbow East Conference Championships over the weekend, five Ottawa Hills swimmers earned All-Conference recognition for their standout performances.

Redhawks Celebrate Three More OK Gold All Conference Honorees

Union High School is proud to recognize three more outstanding scholar-athletes who earned conference honors this fall.

Support Elementary & Middle School Athletics

Through the generous gifts from the Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation donors, Great Sports, Great Kids provides youth sports programming for elementary and middle school scholars across the district.

Learn more about our Great Sports, Great Kids Program