After competing independently for several years, Louisville High School may soon find a new athletic home.
Louisville City Schools officials confirmed Monday that the All-American Conference (AAC) has voted to extend membership to the school, with potential participation beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year.
The AAC, sanctioned by the Ohio High School Athletic Association, includes schools in the Youngstown area such as Austintown Fitch, Boardman, Canfield, Howland and Warren Harding. According to an email sent by AAC Commissioner Jim De Toro, the invitation was the result of a unanimous vote by the conference’s superintendents.
“We appreciate the invitation from the All-American Conference and the confidence they’ve shown in our athletic program,” said Superintendent Michele Shaffer. “While this is certainly an exciting possibility, we want to ensure we take the time necessary to fully evaluate what this move would mean for our students, staff, and families before moving forward.”
Louisville has been without a conference since 2018, when the Northeastern Buckeye Conference dissolved. While several former NBC schools—including Carrollton, Minerva, Canton South, West Branch, Alliance and Salem—formed the Eastern Buckeye Conference, Louisville was not invited to join and has operated independently ever since.
Terrie Horn, Louisville’s athletic director, praised the efforts of the district’s coaches and athletes during the independent stretch.
“We’ve always been proud of how our athletes and coaches have embraced the challenges of independent scheduling, and we’re grateful for the relationships we’ve built along the way,” Horn said. “Being considered for membership in a strong league like the AAC is an honor, and we will continue working through the appropriate steps before any decisions are finalized.”
No formal contract has been signed, and district officials said the administration and Board of Education will review the offer in the coming weeks before making a final decision.
