Author

Nick Stevens

Content Development

Nick Stevens leads content development at NAS, creating stories and media that highlight student-athletes and strengthen district communities. After more than a decade at HighSchoolOT, he brings a deep love for high school sports.

Posts by Nick Stevens

Their work.

Insights

Behind the whistle: The pressure and preparation of high school officials

Steve Schwartz spent 37 years officiating high school basketball in North Carolina. His message to parents and schools starts with understanding the people behind the whistle.

Oct 20, 2026

Insights

The case for middle school sports: access, belonging and cpportunity

The NFHS has released guidance for middle school athletics in an effort to highlight the importance of opportunities for students before high school

Oct 6, 2026

Insights

Inside the launch of a new high school athletic department

When a new high school opens, the public usually sees the finished product: new uniforms, facilities, teams, and an identity. What they do not always see is everything required to get there.

Sep 20, 2026

Insights

Public school sports need a better business model. NAS is building one.

Public school sports generate enormous value. They bring families together, create lasting connections to schools, and give businesses access to one of the most loyal audiences in sports.

Sep 8, 2026

Athletic Zone

High school sports are growing, community investment needs to keep pace

High school sports participation reached an all-time high during the 2025-2026 school year, marking a fifth consecutive year of growth as girls flag football and girls wrestling continued to grow, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Aug 28, 2026

Athletic Zone

Knightdale football turns to one of its own in Marcell Johnson

Knightdale alum Marcell Johnson, one of the most decorated athletes in school history, has been named the head football coach at the Knights.

Jul 14, 2026

Community & Student Impact

Pickleball Diplomacy: Montgomery County students build bridges one rally at a time

Students from Montgomery County (MD) Public Schools have partnered with students in China to create an exchange program centered around pickleball, which has created connections a world away.

Jan 27, 2026