LMS Athletics Mission Statement

The LMS athletic program will ensure student athletes LEARN the art of sportsmanship, LEAD by example both during and beyond competition, and SUCCEED through hard work and perseverance.

LMS Athletics Vision Statement

• Bridge the gap from middle to high school to maintain a strong, positive identity for Lanier Cluster athletics.
• Develop skills necessary to compete at the highest level.
• Promote a sense of belonging and engagement for all student athletes.

The Numbers

• 8 Teams
• 15 Coaches
• Over 150 students engaged and GROWING!

What It Takes...

• Student athletes, not athletic students.
• Student athletes are expected to maintain academic eligibility at all times.
• Student athletes must adhere to all rules according to the GCPS code of conduct and Lanier MS expectations.

LMS Athletics Page & Directory

Your one-stop shop for general information regarding LMS Athletics: https://lanierms.gcpsk12.org/students/athletics

Athletic Contacts

• Athletic Director: Heidi Gholston (heidi.gholston@gcpsk12.org)
• Athletic Coordinator: Tim Rabek (tim.rabek@gcpsk12.org)

Offered Sports Programs

Gwinnett County Public Schools middle school athletic programs include the following sports for grades 6–8 (open to both boys and girls except where noted):

• Basketball
• Cheerleading
• Cross Country
• Soccer
• Volleyball (Girls Only)
• Flag Football (Girls Only)

Ticketing

All tickets to Lanier Middle School Athletic events are available exclusively via GoFan.

Rank One Requirements

Athletes are required to have all information completed in their Rank One accounts before participating in any workout, practice, tryout, or game.

• Create an account for Gwinnett County-ATHLETICS at Rank One Parent Portal.
• All athletic physical information will be stored using Rank One. No paper copies will be accepted.
• Complete all forms until marked with a green check:
  • Parental Consent & Athletic Code of Conduct
  • Student Profile
  • GCPS Insurance Form (Injury coverage)
  • GCPS Signature Page (after review of provided information)
  • Athletic Trainer Treatment Form
  • Upload Physical Form

Physical Forms

• MUST be on the GCPS-approved form linked on the LMS Athletic website (no GLF or other forms accepted).
• Valid for one calendar year from the date of the physical.
• Forms are manually reviewed on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
• If DENIED, a message is sent through RankOne to the account holder.

Student Insurance

Students MUST have one of the following to participate:

• Private health insurance provided by the parent.
• GCPS Accident Coverage (K&K Insurance) — Note: This is NOT comprehensive care.

Proof of coverage must be submitted to Heidi Gholston at Heidi.Gholston@gcpsk12.org.

Costs & Banquets

Required Dues

Cost: $300 – $350 (includes gear, athletic fees, banquet, assistant coaches, etc.). LMS will hold one fundraiser per sport to support individual athletic programs.

Banquet Formats

• Fall Banquet: Volleyball and Cross Country
• Winter Banquet: Basketball and Cheerleading
• Spring Banquet: Soccer and Flag Football

2026–2027 GCPS Middle School Regions

Northwest Region (7)

• Coleman
• Creekland
• Duluth
• Hull
• Northbrook
• Pickneyville
• Summerour

Northeast Region (8)

• Dacula
• Jordan
• Lanier
• Moore
• North Gwinnett
• Osborne
• Twin Rivers

Southwest Region (8)

• Berkmar
• Crews
• Five Forks
• Lilburn
• Radloff
• Richards
• Sweetwater
• Trickum

Southeast Region (7)

• Bay Creek
• Couch
• Grace Snell
• McConnell
• Murphy
• Shiloh
• Snellville

2026–2027 Middle School Athletics Schedule & Key Dates

Note: Volleyball and Cross Country hold tryouts in May for upcoming seasons. Dates and locations are tentative and subject to change.

Additional Key Dates

• Volleyball Jamboree: Saturday, August 8, 2026 (Brookwood HS, Collins Hill HS, Duluth HS)
• Cross Country Additional Postseason Meet: Saturday, October 10, 2026 (Peach State MS Championships / GA MS State Championships)
• Soccer Preseason Scrimmage: Saturday, January 30, 2027 (Locations TBD)
• Flag Football Preseason Scrimmage: Week of March 29, 2027 (Locations TBD)

Tryout & Practice Formats

Tryout Guidelines

• Up to 5 days (window determined by GCPS).
• All teams are open to grades 6–8.
• Cross Country is the only "no cut" program. All other sports make cuts based on district roster guidance.
• Coaches reserve the right to make cuts after the first 2 days of tryouts.
• Students missing tryouts prior to the first cut will not be permitted to attend remaining days.
• Team announcements are made on or after the last day of tryouts via Google Classroom (code provided by coach).

Practice Guidelines

• All LMS practices are held on campus immediately after school (except special events at the high school).
• Practices are mandatory; unexcused absences will impact playing time.

Game Day Expectations

• Locations: All games are played at high school facilities, except Volleyball (played at middle school facilities) and Cross Country (various locations).
• Admission: Ticket fee is $5 (plus $1 convenience fee) via GoFan. Children under 5 enter free. Gwinnett County Senior Citizens can apply for a free admission pass.
• Environment: A positive, supportive environment is expected from all spectators.

Business Partnerships & Sponsorships

Opportunities to support Lanier MS Athletics through our Business Partnership Program:

• Longhorn Legend: $3,500+
• Longhorn Legacy: $2,500 – $3,499
• Longhorn Sponsor: $1,500 – $2,499
• Event/Program Sponsor: $500 – $1,499

To become a partner, please contact Heidi Gholston (Heidi.Gholston@gcpsk12.org) or Tim Rabek (Tim.Rabek@gcpsk12.org).