Best South Dakota schools for athletes? According to one study, these are top 25
A new study reveals the top 25 high schools in South Dakota for athletes. See which schools made the list in 2026.
South Dakota has seen its fair share of elite talent, from arguably the greatest kicker of all time, Adam Vinatieri, to former WNBA standout and current Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon. With that type of prestige, plenty of high schools in the state have carried the distinction of setting the stage for all the storylines. And that trend continues today… Which high schools in South Dakota are currently considered the best for athletes?
According to one study conducted by Niche , which surveys students and parents—accounting for "reviews of athletics, number of state championships, student participation in athletics, and the number of sports offered at the school"—and data from the U. S. Department of Education, these are the top 25.
25. Hanson High School (Alexandria) Total number of sports: 10 24. Mobridge High School Total number of sports: 11 23.
Alcester-Hudson High School (Alcester) Total number of sports: 5 22. Sully Buttes High School (Onida) Total number of sports: 4 21. Lennox High School Total number of sports: 14 20.