Regardless of the size of a high school, school pride is extremely important for the success of both athletics and academics. The size impacts its school spirit, achievements and student relationships. Larger schools often benefit from more resources and greater diversity, whereas smaller schools foster closer relationships among students and staff.
The close-knit nature of smaller schools stems from family legacy and small town spirit. Many members of the community spend their Friday nights supporting their local high school’s football team and other athletic events. This is likely due to the limited amount of social-activities available in the community, as well as alums’ desire to support their alma mater.
Small-town spirit encourages teams to achieve greater heights and helps them feel further supported by their community. “I have noticed there is a greater sense of school spirit and pride in my smaller school. It really helps our sports because everyone supports everyone and it creates a very energetic environment,” said Dobuque Wahlert volleyball player Olivia Donovan.
A lively school spirit leads students to perform better academically and be happier individuals. A strong sense of school pride encourages greater participation in extracurricular activities, encouraging a more inclusive community. This positive environment not only boosts morale but also helps students develop a sense of belonging and motivation.
Many athletes recognize a sizable difference in the environment of games when there is a present support system. “I’ve noticed that when we have no one showing up to our games, when we play twice a week for five months, our performance isn’t bad, but sometimes there is a lack of motivation when we have no support. There is even less motivation when the only basketball games people attend are the boys games. When we do have some people come to our games we can all see a difference in our performance. People get more into the game which makes us get into it too,” said basketball player Quinn Vice.
Support within larger schools stems from competitive atmospheres and comparison of accomplishments rather than the typical small town feel with a naturally connected community. When a team from a larger school is competing well, more fans show up to support and vice-versa. This can be very beneficial because it motivates athletes to do their best in order to earn their community’s support.
However, sometimes fans’ lack support even when teams are excelling which can be frustrating to athletes. “It’s definitely a little disappointing when you make a big play and the crowd doesn’t match you or your teammates’ energy,” said football player Glenn Averill.
Smaller schools benefit from tight-knit communities where everyone knows each other, creating a strong sense of pride and belonging. Larger schools, though diverse and resource-rich, often rely on the competitive drive to fuel support; the student body’s enthusiasm may rely on athletic success. Regardless of a school’s size, one constant remains: school spirit plays a vital role in shaping successful athletics and academics.
