On Monday February 2, the UIL committee released new classifications and alignments for football, basketball, and volleyball for Texas high schools. These classifications and alignments will last until 2028, when they are reexamined.
These realignments have caused shifts in the district for which Bowie plays in, District 26. For the 2026-2028 seasons the Bowie football, basketball, and volleyball teams will play against Akins, Austin High, Buda Hays, Buda Johnson, Del Valle, and Dripping Springs.
The reason that Westlake and Lake Travis moved districts is because of how the UIL decides on criteria for the realignment. Many different components go into where different schools are placed in their respective districts.
“The classifications for the high schools are based on student enrollment,” Athletic Director Jeff Ables said. “Then the UIL places each school, in the same classification, in a specific district based on geographic location around other schools.”
With Lake Travis and Westlake being moved to a different district, the future for Bowie sports has changed. Senior Cameron Alsup commented on how next year could look different for Bowie.
“I think not having Westlake and Lake Travis in our district could honestly hurt Bowie sports in the long run as their programs and talent pushed us to work our hardest and grow as a team,” Alsup said. “However, It will be nice in the sense of traveling since we won’t have to drive to these locations anymore.”
Driving long distances is a reason UIL realigned almost every Texas district. But with the additions of Buda Johnson and Buda Hays, Bowie athletics will be driving a comparable distance to these schools.
“Driving to Johnson won’t be anything new for the soccer program since Johnson used to be in our district a few years back,” junior Maren Moore said. “I do think that playing Johnson and Hays instead of Westlake and Lake Travis will affect our standings in district play, and we’ll have a better chance at making the playoffs.”
Since Lake Travis and Westlake have been replaced with Buda Johnson and Buda Hays, some argue that Bowie has an easier route to the playoffs. Alsup explains her opinions on how the two new teams will impact Bowie sports.
“I think it’s nice to have a smaller district because it increases our chances of making playoffs, but then inconsistency in the districts can be frustrating,” Alsup said. “It will also be difficult next year as some of our best competitors are moving districts, so we won’t get as much exposure to challenging teams.”
The UIL realignment has sparked a mix of emotions among the Bowie community because of the new challenges that will arise. Ables describes how he believes the alignment will affect the ‘Dawgs.
“We are excited for the new district,” Ables said. “But understand that, like every realignment, it will be challenging for all of our sports.”
