ESPN HS

ESPN HS

ESPN HS was a division of ESPN that focused on high school sports coverage. It provided content across various platforms, including television, print, and online media, to highlight the achievements and stories of high school athletes and teams across the United States.

History

ESPN HS was launched in 2010 as part of ESPN's efforts to expand its coverage of amateur sports. The initiative aimed to provide a comprehensive platform for high school sports, similar to ESPN's coverage of college and professional sports. The division was responsible for producing content that included rankings, news, and feature stories about high school athletes and competitions.

Platforms

ESPN HS content was distributed through several channels:

• Television: ESPN HS produced televised high school sports events, which were broadcast on ESPN's family of networks. These broadcasts included live games, highlight shows, and special features.

• Print: ESPN HS published a magazine that featured in-depth articles, rankings, and profiles of high school athletes. The magazine was a key component of ESPN's strategy to engage with the high school sports community.

• Online: The ESPN HS website provided up-to-date news, scores, and rankings. It served as a hub for high school sports fans to access information about their favorite teams and athletes.

Notable Events

ESPN HS was known for organizing and broadcasting several high-profile high school sports events, including:

• ESPN RISE National High School Invitational: An annual basketball tournament that featured some of the top high school teams in the country.

• Under Armour All-America Game: A showcase event for top high school football players, which was broadcast nationally and provided exposure for athletes to college scouts and fans.

Impact

ESPN HS played a significant role in elevating the profile of high school sports in the United States. By providing national coverage, it helped to increase the visibility of young athletes and provided them with opportunities to showcase their talents on a larger stage. The division also contributed to the growing interest in high school sports as a spectator activity.

Closure

In 2012, ESPN announced the closure of ESPN HS as part of a strategic shift in its focus. The decision was made to integrate high school sports coverage into ESPN's broader platforms rather than maintaining a separate division. Despite its closure, the legacy of ESPN HS continues to influence how high school sports are covered today.

See Also

• ESPN
• High school sports in the United States
• Under Armour All-America Game

References

• ESPN Official Website
• Sports Illustrated High School Sports