Since opening its doors in 1997 and since the first championship in 2004 for Boys Swim and Dive, athletic and academic programs have steadily added to the trophy case, contributing to a broad record of competitive success, now filled by 22 athletic KSHSAA titles.

Most recently, in May, the baseball team secured the 6A State Championship title, beating the Shawnee Mission West Vikings, 7-1.

“Winning the state championship meant that our team was cemented in school history. I’m grateful I got to be a part of one of the best high school baseball teams in state history,” varsity player senior Nathan Young said. “I’m honored to carry on Free State’s winning tradition as we fell just short in 2023 and 2024. It felt satisfying to finally win it all in 2025.”

Retired swim and dive coach Annette McDonald coached multiple state-winning teams, including the first Girls athletic team to win a KSHSSAA state championship at Free State in 2009, as well as the wins in 2022 and 2023. During their defending state champion meet, McDonald said that the swimmers felt a lot of pressure, but when many students showed up to cheer on their friends, the swim team was overwhelmed with school spirit.

“There’s a lot of pressure and it’s also unnerving in terms of strategizing,” McDonald said. “But the girls enjoyed having the school constantly say congratulations. I feel like that brings student pride. They were very happy to see all their friends supporting them.”

As the school marks nearly three decades of being a member of KSHSAA, assistant baseball coach Nolan Deitrich says that state titles stand as a reflection of the school’s ongoing commitment to excellence in athletics and that athletes should be proud to represent this school.