The Lake Catholic volleyball team, known for winning two consecutive Division III state titles, is facing a new challenge next year as they move to Division V due to the OHSAA’s expanded tournaments. This change comes as part of the OHSAA’s decision to increase the number of divisions for sports starting with the 2024-25 school year.
The preliminary divisional assignments for fall sports were recently announced by the OHSAA, revealing significant changes in volleyball, boys soccer, and girls soccer. Volleyball, for example, will now have seven divisions instead of four, with schools being graded on adjusted enrollment figures.
Lake Catholic, the reigning Division III state champion, will be competing in Division V next season, while powerhouse Gilmour will be moving to Division III. The adjustments in divisions will provide new opportunities and challenges for teams across the state.
In addition to volleyball, changes were also announced for boys soccer, girls soccer, boys cross country, girls cross country, boys golf, girls golf, and girls tennis. Schools will have the opportunity to move up to Division I based on a referendum later this spring.
The shifting landscape of high school sports in Ohio is sure to bring excitement and anticipation as teams prepare for the upcoming seasons in their new divisions. Fans can expect fierce competition and thrilling matchups as schools adjust to the new divisional alignments.