- Athletics
'USA Today' has named McCallie the best high school in the state of Tennessee for athletes — a recognition that honors not only the school’s competitive success, but the values and mission that are foundational in our entire athletic program. Criteria included input from students and parents as well as academic data.
“Athletics at McCallie are an extension of our mission to know, support, and value each boy,” said Head of School Lee Burns ’87. “We believe that sports are a powerful platform for developing character, building confidence, and teaching boys the habits of hard work, teamwork, and resilience. Whether a boy is an elite athlete or just discovering a new sport, there’s a place for him here.”
McCallie’s athletic culture is built on excellence, sportsmanship, and doing things the right way. From the fields to the courts to the training rooms, extraordinary coaches invest deeply in the lives of their athletes. Last year, 762 boys participated on one of 50 middle school, junior varsity, or varsity teams — a remarkable breadth that includes not only traditional sports, but also programs in squash, mountain biking, ultimate frisbee, bass fishing, bowling, climbing, and crew.
“We want every boy to feel like there’s a team or a space for him to grow athletically,” said Athletic Director Kenny Sholl. “Our coaches focus on each boy’s development — physically, mentally, spiritually, and morally. Combine that with our top-tier facilities, a best-in-class strength and conditioning program, and a unique sports science lab, and you’ve got an environment that sets boys up for success in sports and in life.”
In the 2023–24 school year, McCallie teams won nine state championships, earned multiple top-10 national rankings, and posted a 41-14-2 record against the school’s main rival. The school also recently opened a new lifetime fitness center to help students build lifelong habits of wellness and physical health.
McCallie’s commitment to athletics is matched by strong school spirit and institutional support. The recognition from 'USA Today' reflects what the McCallie community already knows: athletics at the school are about more than trophies. They are about brotherhood, character, and the growth of every boy.
McCallie’s sister school, Girls Preparatory School (GPS), was ranked No. 2 in the state, and Baylor, at No. 10, was the only other Chattanooga school to make the top 25.
Read the 'USA Today' article here.