Even in the home state of basketball sensation Caitlin Clark, girls' high school basketball is experiencing a sharp and concerning decline across Iowa. However, in the small northwest towns of Newell and Fonda, the sport not only survives but thrives, standing as a remarkable outlier against a troubling national trend.
A Stark Contrast in Rural Iowa
The streets of Newell and Fonda are often quiet, with rural decline evident in shuttered storefronts and vacant houses. Yet, the heart of these communities, separated by just nine miles, beats strongly at the Newell-Fonda High School gym. Here, residents from Newell's population of 850, Fonda's 600, and surrounding farms don blue attire to fill the stands, cheering on their beloved girls' basketball team, known statewide as the Mustangs.
With 21 of the school's 71 girls in grades 9-12 playing on varsity or junior varsity teams, the Mustangs are an exception. Nationally, participation in girls basketball has dropped significantly, even as college and professional games, boosted by stars like Iowa's own Caitlin Clark, enjoy unprecedented popularity. Despite Clark's influence, participation numbers in her home state and many others continue to fall.
Coaches Voice Concerns Over Shifting Trends
Newell-Fonda coach Dick Jungers reflects on the changes, noting, "When I first started coaching girls basketball, every team had a good point guard, shooter, and post player. Now, some teams struggle to have even one or two good players in the whole program. It's concerning, but kids are putting their time elsewhere."
The decline in Iowa is particularly stark, with a 38% drop since 2000, from 9,401 participants to 5,856. This is surprising given Iowa's rich history in the girls' and women's game, including hosting the first state tournament in 1920. Today, some high schools have disbanded programs due to lack of interest, while others field only varsity teams, with junior varsity games often shortened.
Newell-Fonda: A Basketball Powerhouse
In contrast, basketball reigns supreme in Newell and Fonda, a tradition strengthened since Jody Maske led teams to state tournaments from 1995-2002. Coach Jungers has continued this legacy, boasting a record of 527-83 with four championships and 16 state tournament appearances in 24 years. The Mustangs have reached the state final in seven of the last eight seasons, earning a reputation as a powerhouse.
This season, they opened with a 14-1 record, averaging a 34-point winning margin, and have been ranked No. 1 after defeating last year's state final opponent. Senior center Jocee Walsh encapsulates the community spirit, stating, "If you know Newell-Fonda, you know we play basketball."
National and Statewide Participation Data
According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, girls basketball participation nationwide fell from 451,600 in 2000 to 356,240 in 2025, a 21% decline. Meanwhile, volleyball surpassed basketball as the most popular girls team sport a decade ago, growing 29% to 492,799 participants since 2000.
States like Kansas, Louisiana, North Dakota, Indiana, and Iowa have seen the largest declines, with fewer than ten states reporting increases. In Iowa, the drop is attributed to factors like club volleyball and the recent sanctioning of girls wrestling, which attracted over 2,000 participants since 2022-23.
Challenges and Potential Solutions
Coaches highlight that basketball skills are harder to develop than in other sports, leading to a growing disparity between serious and casual players. Many girls become discouraged and quit by middle school if they struggle, while the physical demands of running and contact also deter some.
To address this, coaches like Kristin Meyer of Dowling Catholic and Dick Jungers are part of an Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union task force exploring solutions. Meyer suggests innovations such as three-on-three games until fifth grade to enhance skill development and interest. She also advocates for more women in their 20s and 30s with basketball backgrounds to coach at grade-school levels, as they may be more relatable to young girls than traditional dad coaches.
Grassroots Efforts in Newell-Fonda
In Newell-Fonda, basketball is ingrained in community life, with kids typically starting in third grade and a new second-grade team attracting 17 out of 21 girls this year. Andrea Vanderhoff laughs, noting, "I think it's what you do even if you don't have athletic talent. Everyone just wants to be a part of it."
Games are community events, featuring pregame suppers in the school cafeteria to fundraise, with menus like pulled pork sandwiches reflecting local agriculture. Those unable to get into the gym often watch from hallways, and livestreams can attract up to 2,500 views. As Coach Jungers puts it, "In Newell or Fonda, what are you going to do if you're not going to basketball games?"
Despite Caitlin Clark's prodigious impact on women's basketball, high school participation in Iowa remains a challenge, underscoring the need for continued grassroots support and innovative strategies to revive interest in the sport.
