The 2025-2026 school year proved to be another outstanding campaign for Lakota East Athletics as the Thunderhawks finished second overall in the prestigious Greater Miami Conference (GMC) All Sports Award standings for the second consecutive season.

Lakota East once again demonstrated tremendous consistency and excellence across all athletic programs, trailing only perennial conference powerhouse Mason Athletics in the final standings.

The Thunderhawks enjoyed success throughout the year with numerous conference championships, runner-up finishes, postseason appearances, and individual honors highlighting another memorable athletic year.

Among the top accomplishments for Lakota East during the 2025-2026 season:

• The Lakota East Softball program captured the 2026 GMC Championship under first-year head coach Steve Crawford, earning the program’s first league title since 2019.
• Lakota East Boys Volleyball won the GMC Championship and advanced to regional tournament play. 
• Second-place GMC finishes were earned by Girls Cross Country, Boys Golf, Girls Golf, Boys Bowling, and Girls Wrestling. 
• Third-place GMC finishes were recorded by Football, Girls Volleyball, Girls Bowling, Boys Swimming, Boys Wrestling, Boys Lacrosse, Girls Lacrosse, and Chess. 
• Multiple Thunderhawk teams qualified for postseason competition while numerous student-athletes earned All-GMC, All-District, and All-State recognition. 
• Lakota East continued to excel in both boys and girls athletics across all three sports seasons, showcasing the department’s depth and competitive balance.

“This recognition reflects the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and community,” said Lakota East Athletic Director Jill Meiring. “To finish second in the GMC All Sports standings in back-to-back years speaks volumes about the culture of excellence we continue to build at Lakota East.”

The GMC is widely recognized as one of the premier athletic conferences in the state of Ohio, featuring some of the top athletic programs and student-athletes in the region.

Lakota East’s continued success across multiple sports further reinforces the Thunderhawks’ reputation as one of Southwest Ohio’s elite athletic programs.

With strong returning talent and momentum throughout the department, Lakota East Athletics looks poised for continued success in the years ahead.