While no single national agency counts exactly how many transgender athletes there are in high school sports, research provides reliable estimates. Based on population data, about 1.4% of high school students identify as transgender. With roughly 7.9 million students participating in high school athletics each year, that suggests there are between 10,000 and 20,000 transgender student-athletes in the United States today.
What Does the Research Say?
The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law analyzed data from the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey and other sources. Their 2022 report found that about 1.4% of adolescents aged 13 to 17 – or roughly 300,000 teens – identify as transgender. Not all of those teens play sports, but many do.
The CDC’s 2023 YRBS showed that 3% of high school students identified as transgender or gender-questioning. That is a higher number than earlier years, partly because of better survey methods and growing awareness.
Experts caution that these are estimates. Schools do not routinely ask students about their gender identity on sports registration forms, so exact counts are not available. However, the trend is clear: transgender youth are part of the high school sports community.
How Are States Handling Participation?
State laws about transgender athletes vary widely. As of July 2026, more than 20 states have passed laws or issued policies that restrict transgender student-athlete participation in some way. Other states have laws that protect inclusion. The table below summarizes the general approaches.
| Policy Type | Description | Example States (as of 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Inclusive | Students may participate according to their gender identity. | California, New York, Illinois |
| Restrictive – Sports-Based | Participation is determined by sport, often requiring hormone therapy or testing. | Florida, Texas, Idaho |
| Restrictive – Birth Certificate | Students must compete based on the sex on their birth certificate. | Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee |
| Case-by-Case | State athletic associations decide individually, sometimes with medical review. | Indiana, Pennsylvania, Michigan |
If you are a parent or student, check your state high school athletic association website for the latest rules. Policies can change from year to year.
What Rules Do National Organizations Follow?
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) provides model policies but lets each state make its own decisions. In 2023, the NFHS reaffirmed that states should set their own rules based on local values and research.
For college-bound athletes, the NCAA has a sport-by-sport approach. As of 2024, transgender athletes may compete if they follow the guidelines of their sport’s international federation. Because high school rules are separate, a student may face different requirements in high school than in college.
Why Are There No Official National Counts?
The U.S. Department of Education does not collect data on transgender athletes. Privacy laws (like FERPA) limit what schools can share. Many families choose not to disclose gender identity on forms. As a result, any number you hear is an estimate, not a hard count.
Surveys like the CDC YRBS are anonymous and voluntary, so they give a good picture of the overall transgender student population. But they do not ask about sports participation specifically. Researchers use these numbers and sports participation rates to create the estimate of 10,000 to 20,000.
What Should Parents and Students Know?
Here are actionable tips for navigating high school sports as a transgender athlete or the family of one.
- Check your state’s high school athletic association rules. Some require a change to the student’s official documents, while others only need a written statement.
- Talk to your school’s athletic director early in the season. Discuss any paperwork, deadlines, or medical documentation required.
- Connect with local advocacy groups that support transgender youth in sports. They often have the most current information about your state’s policies.
- Keep a record of all communications and forms. If issues arise, documentation can help resolve misunderstandings.
Looking Ahead
Public debate about transgender athletes continues, but the number of transgender students who play high school sports remains small. Estimates suggest fewer than 20,000 across the entire country. As more states pass laws and more research becomes available, the picture may become clearer. For now, the most important step is to know your local rules and seek support from trusted adults and organizations.
In summary, while there is no exact count, experts agree that transgender athletes in high school sports represent a tiny fraction of all athletes. Understanding your state’s policies and communicating with school officials can help ensure a fair and respectful experience for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many transgender athletes are there in high school sports?
There is no official count, but estimates based on population data suggest between 10,000 and 20,000 transgender students participate in high school sports in the U.S. as of 2026.
Are there official statistics on transgender high school athletes?
No federal or state agency collects official statistics on transgender student-athletes. Estimates come from broader surveys like the CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey combined with sports participation rates.
Do transgender athletes have an advantage in high school sports?
Research on athletic advantage is ongoing and varies by sport. Many medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, state that there is no evidence that transgender athletes have an inherent unfair advantage when appropriate policies are followed.
What rights do transgender athletes have in high school?
Rights depend on state law. In some states, transgender students may participate according to their gender identity; in others, they must compete based on their sex assigned at birth. Federal protections under Title IX are currently interpreted differently in different court jurisdictions.
How can a transgender student participate in high school sports?
Start by checking your state high school athletic association’s website for the current policy. Next, speak with your school’s athletic director about required forms, deadlines, and any medical documentation needed.
