The Thunderbirds compete in the United Kansas Conference and are classified as a Class 5A school, the second-largest classification in Kansas according to the Kansas State High School Activities Association. Throughout its history, Shawnee Heights has won numerous state championships. Many graduates have gone on to participate in collegiate athletics.
Athletics
Baseball
Shawnee Heights has experienced a large amount of success throughout its history. The program has made numerous trips to the Kansas State Baseball Tournament, winning the state championship four times, occurring in 1994, 1999, 2001, 2011. In the 2010-2011 season they managed to go 25-0, in large part because of their 11 seniors.
Basketball
The Shawnee Heights boys' basketball program was one of the top programs in the state in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. During that span, the team won four state championships, occurring in 1988, 1989, 2000, and 2002, adding an additional championship in 2017. The Thunderbirds also won several Centennial League titles. The girls' programs has also won state championships in 1977 and 1986.
Softball
Shawnee Heights has a rich history of softball excellence. This was never more evident than in the 2017 season, in which the Lady T-Birds were undefeated in the regular season and postseason. They capped off a perfect 24-0 season by capturing the 5A State Championship. Shawnee Heights turned in one of the most dominating performances ever seen in the state softball tournament, as they outscored their opponents by a total of 30-2 over the 3 games.
Track & Field
Shawnee Heights perennially has one of the strongest track and field programs in the state for both boys and girls. The boys' program has won state championships in 1989, 2007, and 2015. The 1989 team was led by future All-American Marcel Carter. Carter became the first male athlete in Kansas history to win four consecutive state championships in the 200m dash, winning from 1986-1989. The girls' program won state championships in 1974, 1993, and 2009. The most notable female track and field athlete is Trisa Nickoley who attended the school from 2000-2004. In track, she won the state championship in three individual events all four years – 400m, 800m and 1600m. She was also state champion in the 4x400m relay. She earned Track & Field News All-American recognition during her final two years and was named the Gatorade Track & Field Athlete of the Year three times.
State Championships
Shawnee Heights High School offers the following sports:
In the summer of 2006 the school received a remodeling and a new construction project after the passage of a bond issue in 2005. This project was completed in the summer of 2007. This project enclosed the walkway once separating the 9-10 building and the 11-12 building.
