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Athletics

A football team in blue and white uniforms crouches on a green field in the foreground, with stadium lights and blurred figures in the background.
A football player in a blue jersey runs with the ball on a green field, pursued by two players in white jerseys, with stadium lights and a dark sky in the background.
A volleyball player in white lunges to hit the ball on a wooden court, while teammates in blue and spectators sit in the background.
A young woman in a white top and blue skirt swings her tennis racket to hit a ball in front of a blue chain-link fence.
A young soccer player in a blue uniform kicks a ball on a green field in the foreground, with a soccer goal and inflatable figures in the background.
A large group of young runners in blue and white uniforms sprint across a grassy field with trees and a clear sky in the background.

At Vernon Hills High School, we believe athletics are a powerful and essential part of the high school experience! Our athletic program is built to give every student-athlete the chance to shine—offering top-notch facilities, experienced and passionate coaches, and a supportive environment where students can thrive both on and off the field.

The VHHS Athletic Department proudly operates under the standards set by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), the Central Suburban League (CSL), and Community High School District 128.

Participation in athletics is a privilege—one that comes with responsibility. Our athletes are expected to represent their school with integrity, sportsmanship, and pride. Sports at VHHS aren’t just about competition—they’re about growth, teamwork, and learning life lessons that last long after the final whistle.

Get ready to compete, grow, and represent—we’re proud to have you on the team!

 

Explore Sports by Season

Basketball - Boys

A basketball player in a white %22Cougars%22 jersey dribbles the ball on a wooden court, with spectators and other players visible in the blurred background.
A basketball player in a white uniform dribbles the ball in the foreground while spectators watch from the bleachers in the background.

Cross Country - Boys

Four young male runners in blue and white uniforms race across a grassy field with spectators and trees in the background.
A group of young male runners in white and blue uniforms race across a grassy field with a blurred, hilly background.

Cross Country Girls

A group of young women in athletic wear run across a grassy field with a water tower and stadium in the hazy background.
Three female runners in a race are in the foreground, while spectators and a mile marker are visible in the rainy background.

Cheerleading

Cheerleaders in white and blue uniforms perform a pyramid formation with banners hanging in the background.
A cheerleader is lifted by her teammates in a gymnasium with bleachers in the background.
A group of cheerleaders in blue and white uniforms pose with pom-poms on a running track in front of stadium bleachers.

Dance

Team with its state qualifier trophy
A group of synchronized swimmers in dark leotards form a human pyramid on a blue mat in the foreground, with a dark stage and colorful spotlights in the background.
A group of dancers in blue costumes perform on a stage with a dark background and colorful spotlights.

Flag Football - Girls

In the foreground, two girls in athletic uniforms are playing flag football, while in the background, spectators and a referee watch from the sidelines.
Two girls in blue uniforms and white helmets play flag football on a green field, with a track and bleachers visible in the background.

Tackle Football

VHHS Football Team on the field

 

Golf - Boys

A young golfer in the foreground swings his club, with spectators and a golf cart visible in the blurred background.
A golfer in the foreground crouches to read the green, with the flagstick and a blurred background of trees and sky.

Gymnastics

Vernon Hills Gymnasts at Regionals
Six smiling young women in blue and white leotards, holding bouquets of flowers, pose in front of a banner that reads %22Vernon Hills Cougars Sectionals 2025.%22
A line of smiling young female gymnasts in blue and white leotards, holding bouquets of white flowers, stand on a blue mat in a gymnasium with gymnastics equipment in the background.

Badminton

Two young women in blue uniforms play badminton on a court, with spectators blurred in the background.
A young woman in a blue uniform lunges to hit a shuttlecock during a badminton match, with her teammates watching from the bleachers in the background.

Soccer - Boys

Soccer players in white and blue uniforms compete on a green field in front of a large inflatable panther mascot and trees.
A young soccer player in a blue uniform dribbles a ball on a green field with a track and stadium in the background.

Swimming & Diving - Girls

A young woman in a blue swimsuit stands on a diving board in the foreground, while a group of other young women in orange and blue swimsuits watch from behind her in the background.
A swimmer in a silver cap and goggles performs the butterfly stroke in the foreground, with other swimmers in the background of the pool.

Tennis - Boys

A young tennis player in a blue shirt and hat swings at a ball on a court, with a fence and trees in the background.
A young man in athletic wear swings a tennis racket on a blue court, with a fence and trees in the background.

Tennis - Girls

A young woman in white athletic wear swings a tennis racket on a court with a blue net in the background.
A young woman in the foreground is poised to hit a tennis ball on a blue court, with another player in the blurred background.

Volleyball - Boys

A young male volleyball player in the foreground prepares to hit a ball against a blurred background of a gymnasium with a net.
A young male volleyball player in a white jersey and blue shorts jumps to hit the ball in the foreground, while spectators and a coach watch from the background.

Volleyball - Girls

A young woman in a blue volleyball uniform celebrates with her arm raised in the foreground, while another player in a similar uniform stands behind her against a blurred gymnasium background.
Two volleyball players in blue uniforms reach for the ball over the net, with a blurred gymnasium in the background.
A volleyball player in a blue jersey with the number 20 on it jumps to hit the ball, with a player in a purple jersey visible on the left, against a blurred background of a blue volleyball net.

Water Polo - Girls

A water polo player in a blue cap with the number 12 on it holds a yellow ball above the water, with another player in a white cap behind her and a blurred background of a swimming pool.
A water polo player in a red and blue cap reaches for a yellow ball near a net, with water splashing around her.

 

Athletic Department Contacts

 

Justin Cooper

Athletic Director

847-932-2022

Email

 

Abbie Gutzmer

Assistant Athletic Director

847-932-2554

Email

 

Burcu Turkmen

Athletic Dept. Administrative Assistant

847-932-2023

Email

Coaches

Athletics are a part of the developmental process for high school students, as the athletes will grow physically, mentally and socially. In athletics, the athletes are provided with the opportunity to participate in physical fitness daily. The athletes are developing their mental skills through practice and competition, and also learning proper ethics and morals. In athletics, the athletes are also exposed to many different social situations with teammates, opponents, and coaches.