Football, basketball, volleyball, golf, soccer, cross country, gymnastics, wrestling, swimming, track & field, and more filled our feeds this past year, featuring all the good news about our Valpo athletes in their respective sports. There is so much talent to go around in our area, and we had a blast attending games, matches, meets, and more to help others see the action from a unique perspective.
Whether it was deep dives into clubs and sports, national gatherings, awards ceremonies, or anything in between, we shared it all in 2024 on behalf of the high schools, colleges, and clubs that make the Region proud.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 sports articles on Valpo.Life to recap the good news in 2024!
Valparaiso Vikings Softball unites with strong leadership
As the softball season gears up, coaches and captains alike are tasked with laying the foundation for a successful and harmonious team dynamic. The Valparaiso High School Girls Softball team exemplifies this dynamic thanks to dedicated captains and coaches leading the way.
Girls Tennis in the Region serves up success and sisterhood
As the seasons unfold, Girls Tennis teams are gearing up across the state. While the boys' season kicks off in the fall and the girls' season commences in spring, students and coaches alike eagerly anticipate what lies ahead. They await the development of team camaraderie and unity, as well as the blossoming of friendships, throughout the season.
The inclusive spirit of Unified Track and Field extends beyond athletics
At schools across the Region, the Unified Track and Field program is more than just a sports initiative – it's a testament to inclusivity and equality. In an exclusive interview with coaches from different parts of the Region, GreatNews.Life (GNL) explored the roots of the program and what inspired its initiation.
Embracing esports in high schools across the state with skill development, community, and academic opportunities
The phenomenon of esports, or competitive video gaming, has gained worldwide popularity and is now being recognized and valued in high schools. In this article, we will explore the presence of esports in high schools, highlighting the numerous benefits for students, the scoring systems utilized, the sense of community fostered, and the opportunities created for personal and academic growth.
The rise of lacrosse in high schools in the Region: Fostering athletes and building communities
Lacrosse, a sport steeped in tradition and excitement, has seen a significant rise in popularity among high school students in Northwest Indiana (NWI). The Region, known for its rich sporting culture, has embraced lacrosse as a thrilling and competitive athletic pursuit.
Boys Volleyball sets the stage for others all across the state and beyond
In Northwest Indiana (NWI), Boys Volleyball is a developing sport that is only going to get stronger. Boys Volleyball started in the area in late 2022 as tryouts and teams began to form. These boys compete in a league called the Indiana Boys Volleyball Coaches Association (IBVCA). This league controls the standings and rules within the Region.
Gymnastics takes every victory with resilience as they take over the Region
The gymnastics teams all over Northwest Indiana (NWI) have made a lot of triumphs this 2022-23 season. Valparaiso High School won its 14th state title, Portage High School ended the season with great numbers, Crown Point High School placed 3rd after there state championship, Merrillville High School continued showing resilience and a great attitude, Lake Central High School placed 5th in the state at the end of the season and so on. Each team in NWI and beyond worked hard to get where they are, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.
High School Bowling teams all across Northwest Indiana are on a roll
Bowling in Northwest Indiana (NWI) is a hot commodity, especially in a high school environment. Schools like Valparaiso High School, Michigan City High School, Munster High School, Lowell High School, Wheeler High School, La Porte High School, and much more are competing in the Lakeshore Indiana High School Bowling Conference (Lakeshore IHSB).
NSA Fast Pitch World Series kicks off with Skills Competition & Heavy Hitters Camp, featuring College World Series Champions from the University of Oklahoma
Countless athletes and coaches, along with a fleet of parents congregated at the Crown Point Sports Complex on Tuesday afternoon to take part in the 2024 National Softball Association (NSA) Fastpitch World Series Kick-Off Day.
Indiana University Northwest celebrates student athlete excellence at annual Champions and Leadership Awards event
On May 2, Indiana University (IU) Northwest students, athletes, and coaching staff gathered with their family members in the Arts and Sciences Theater for the second annual Champions and Leadership Awards event. On this special occasion, the IU Northwest Athletics Department recognized the athletic and academic accomplishments that IU Northwest's student-athletes have made in the past year. Student-athletes dressed in their finest and took full advantage of the IU Northwest-themed photo backdrop – complete with a red carpet – that was set up for the event. They made sure to take plenty of photos with their coaches, friends, and family. The attendees also enjoyed a delicious meal during the reception preceding the event.