After several years of independent competition, Louisville High School is set to join the All-American Conference (AAC) beginning with the 2026–27 school year, Louisville City Schools announced Tuesday.
The AAC, a league sanctioned by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA), features competitive high schools primarily located in the Youngstown area, including Austintown Fitch, Boardman, Canfield and Warren Harding.
The addition of Louisville will coincide with a shift in the league’s football lineup. Howland High School is set to leave the AAC in 2026 for football-only membership in the Eastern Buckeye Conference (EBC), which includes Carrollton, Minerva, Marlington, Salem, Alliance and West Branch.
“This is a major win for our entire Louisville community,” said Superintendent Michele Shaffer. “Our student-athletes and coaches have worked tirelessly to maintain a high level of excellence as an independent program, and now they will have the opportunity to build meaningful rivalries and traditions within a strong, competitive league.”
Louisville has operated as an independent program since leaving the Northeastern Buckeye Conference in 2018. The move to the AAC ends that period and offers the Leopards a chance to compete consistently with schools that share similar values in athletics and education.
AAC Commissioner Jim De Toro confirmed the unanimous decision by conference superintendents to welcome Louisville into the league.
“We are confident that Louisville will be a great fit and enhance the competitive spirit and integrity of the AAC,” De Toro said. “We are looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship for all of us.”
Louisville Athletic Director Terrie Horn called the announcement a milestone moment for the district.
“Our coaches and athletes have faced the challenge of independent scheduling with pride and determination,” Horn said. “Joining the AAC allows us to align with schools that share our passion for competition and sportsmanship. We’re looking forward to building new rivalries and traditions while continuing to represent the Leopard name with pride.”
District officials said they will work closely with AAC leadership and member schools during the transition. Additional information about scheduling and divisional alignment will be released as it becomes available.
