In recent years, the line between high school sports design and college athletic facility design has begun to blur—and for good reason. From branded locker rooms and weight rooms to bold wall graphics and LED-lit signage, high schools across the country are stepping up their game. They’re investing in spaces that look and feel like the big leagues—not just for show, but to compete, inspire, and win.
The College Influence: More Than Just Aesthetic
For decades, college athletics has set the bar for what elite sports environments look like. Bold branding. Motivational messaging. Sleek, modern design. It’s more than just visual appeal—it’s part of the culture. Now, high school programs are realizing that the same principles apply to their athletes and communities.
Here’s why they’re following suit:
Recruitment and Retention of Student-Athletes: Just like college recruits want to play in well-designed facilities, high school athletes (and their families) are influenced by the environment they’re walking into. A locker room or weight room that reflects pride, tradition, and investment can sway a young athlete’s decision to stay local or transfer elsewhere.
Building School Pride and Identity: Branded hallways, logo-forward locker rooms, and wall wraps highlighting program milestones create a culture of belonging. When athletes feel like they’re part of something special, it shows on the field—and in the classroom.
Creating a College-Ready Mindset: When high school environments look like college programs, athletes start to carry themselves that way. It raises expectations, builds confidence, and encourages student-athletes to think long-term about performance, leadership, and success.
What Design Elements Are High Schools Embracing?
High schools are now investing in many of the same high-impact design features long embraced by colleges:
Custom locker nameplates
Branded wall wraps featuring alumni, accomplishments, and team mantras
LED lighting accents and backlit signage
Gear displays and equipment showcases
Branded entryways and weight room graphics
Motivational messaging and record boards
These upgrades aren’t about mimicking college style—they’re about making a statement: We take our program seriously, and we’re building something worth being part of.
D1 Design Group’s Role in the Movement
At D1 Design Group, we’ve worked hand-in-hand with Power 5 programs—but we’re just as passionate about helping high school programs raise the bar. Our approach is tailored: high-level design thinking, custom fabrication, and turnkey installation that’s scaled to fit the high school environment. We help schools maximize their budgets and transform ordinary spaces into inspiring, high-performance environments.
Conclusion: Big Time Looks Start with Big Time Vision
High schools aren’t just borrowing ideas from college athletics—they’re building the next generation of athletes, leaders, and culture-shapers. Investing in design is no longer a luxury; it’s a strategic move. Whether you’re building pride, boosting recruitment, or simply making your athletes feel like they belong on the next level, the right environment makes all the difference.
The game has changed—and high school programs are ready to play at the next level.