Minorities in lacrosse?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd never heard of lacrosse until I went to college. It was one of those sports that totally wasn't culturally biased for SAT purposes yet seemingly only available to people who went to wealthy / UMC high schools (see also: sailing, golf, crew).

I didn't learn that lacrosse was a Native American sport until I was well into adulthood.

I don't know what annoys me more, the whitewashing of a sport that rightfully should belong to BIPOCs, or the fact that what could have been America's true national sport has been relegated to the privileged few and virtually inaccessible (and unknowable) to most Americans.

Inaccessible? There is a lacrosse team at virtually every public high school in northern Virginia.

And how easy are those team to make for kids whose parents didn't spend thousands (probably 10s of thousands by high school) on club lax?

This is true for most club sports these days. Check out the fees for kids who are swimming before 6 am every day in middle school, or the ice hockey club fees, travel baseball or soccer. There are some standouts in any sport but by middle school the club fees across the board are in the thousands of dollars and you have to have a lot of time to drive around to carpool to make all of these practices. This is why there are fewer kids in sports by high school but the few who can afford to play are playing at a higher level than previous generations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd never heard of lacrosse until I went to college. It was one of those sports that totally wasn't culturally biased for SAT purposes yet seemingly only available to people who went to wealthy / UMC high schools (see also: sailing, golf, crew).

I didn't learn that lacrosse was a Native American sport until I was well into adulthood.

I don't know what annoys me more, the whitewashing of a sport that rightfully should belong to BIPOCs, or the fact that what could have been America's true national sport has been relegated to the privileged few and virtually inaccessible (and unknowable) to most Americans.

Inaccessible? There is a lacrosse team at virtually every public high school in northern Virginia.

And how easy are those team to make for kids whose parents didn't spend thousands (probably 10s of thousands by high school) on club lax?

This is true for most club sports these days. Check out the fees for kids who are swimming before 6 am every day in middle school, or the ice hockey club fees, travel baseball or soccer. There are some standouts in any sport but by middle school the club fees across the board are in the thousands of dollars and you have to have a lot of time to drive around to carpool to make all of these practices. This is why there are fewer kids in sports by high school but the few who can afford to play are playing at a higher level than previous generations.

Your anger is partly misplaced. Club fees are a direct result of costs. Turf fields, ice time, pool times and others are charging outrageous fees for users. In Montgomery county, turf fields are over $200 per hour. Insurance, good coaching, taxes and equipment are very expensive too. Directors are looking to make at least the county median income and that's not extremly high.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd never heard of lacrosse until I went to college. It was one of those sports that totally wasn't culturally biased for SAT purposes yet seemingly only available to people who went to wealthy / UMC high schools (see also: sailing, golf, crew).

I didn't learn that lacrosse was a Native American sport until I was well into adulthood.

I don't know what annoys me more, the whitewashing of a sport that rightfully should belong to BIPOCs, or the fact that what could have been America's true national sport has been relegated to the privileged few and virtually inaccessible (and unknowable) to most Americans.

Inaccessible? There is a lacrosse team at virtually every public high school in northern Virginia.

And how easy are those team to make for kids whose parents didn't spend thousands (probably 10s of thousands by high school) on club lax?

This is true for most club sports these days. Check out the fees for kids who are swimming before 6 am every day in middle school, or the ice hockey club fees, travel baseball or soccer. There are some standouts in any sport but by middle school the club fees across the board are in the thousands of dollars and you have to have a lot of time to drive around to carpool to make all of these practices. This is why there are fewer kids in sports by high school but the few who can afford to play are playing at a higher level than previous generations.

I'm not at all angry about this. I'm just saying that every sport has gotten a lot more expensive and has priced out people, it's not just lacrosse.

Your anger is partly misplaced. Club fees are a direct result of costs. Turf fields, ice time, pool times and others are charging outrageous fees for users. In Montgomery county, turf fields are over $200 per hour. Insurance, good coaching, taxes and equipment are very expensive too. Directors are looking to make at least the county median income and that's not extremly high.

[Anonymous]

Let's take a step back and start with some basic facts:

--There is a socio-economic disparity in lacrosse participation, nationally, and in our area. There are also racial and ethnic differences which have a variety of causes, including history of the development of lacrosse in the US (private schools, clubs, etc), familiarity, access, and cost. These reasons are not necessarily nefarious or intentional, but do have impact.

--Speaking of the girls game, lacrosse is an awesome and exciting sport that rewards both speed and athleticism, and trained skill.

--Skill development is best supported by early engagement in rec leagues and access to strong clubs with development commitments later in elementary and middle school. It doesn't wait for a good athlete to show up at a public high school and play--although that is possible.

--There is emerging inclusion of Asian-American girls in higher numbers, in the 2026 class and beyond, that is promising. The top player on the state championship team last year was Asian-American as well.

--Black girls and Latinas are underrepresented in NoVA, and more broadly, in lacrosse, versus their participation in athletics more generally.

There is an opportunity, in this privileged and allegedly enlightened area, to make concerted efforts to reach out to these communities and provide opportunities to play lacrosse at younger ages, with clinics, rec programs, equipment give aways, etc. There are opportunities for clubs to offer scholarships and support (transportation and lodging for practices, tournaments, etc.) to families that otherwise may not be able to participate in club sports.

These things are worth doing, not only for the development of individual athletes who wouldn't otherwise have access or awareness and may end up loving the sport, but for the growth and health of the game. My recommendation is that the community of parents, coaches, and club directors--not to mention the players as they mature--challenge themselves to create more options and opportunities for this to happen. It would be good for lacrosse and good for the community.

(All of this is separate and not in conflict with recognizing the Native American origins of the sport in North America, honoring that legacy, and supporting ongoing participation of Native American athletes at the highest level.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:[This is why there are fewer kids in sports by high school but the few who can afford to play are playing at a higher level than previous generations.

Care to support that position. I agree that overall participation numbers are down but that is due to the fact HS sports are requiring more specialization in an individual sport - most high level HS lax programs require year around training that makes it almost impossible to do another sport. It is very rare to find the 3 sport athlete that was around when I was in HS in the early 90s. You kid basically has to be Lebron James and of such great athleticism that coaches will deal with the playing another sport.

If your kid goes to a WCAC or IAC school to play lacrosse, you can almost be assured your kids is only playing lacrosse. If he is going to a public school there is more leeway.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Let's take a step back and start with some basic facts:

--There is a socio-economic disparity in lacrosse participation, nationally, and in our area. There are also racial and ethnic differences which have a variety of causes, including history of the development of lacrosse in the US (private schools, clubs, etc), familiarity, access, and cost. These reasons are not necessarily nefarious or intentional, but do have impact.

--Speaking of the girls game, lacrosse is an awesome and exciting sport that rewards both speed and athleticism, and trained skill.

--Skill development is best supported by early engagement in rec leagues and access to strong clubs with development commitments later in elementary and middle school. It doesn't wait for a good athlete to show up at a public high school and play--although that is possible.

--There is emerging inclusion of Asian-American girls in higher numbers, in the 2026 class and beyond, that is promising. The top player on the state championship team last year was Asian-American as well.

--Black girls and Latinas are underrepresented in NoVA, and more broadly, in lacrosse, versus their participation in athletics more generally.

There is an opportunity, in this privileged and allegedly enlightened area, to make concerted efforts to reach out to these communities and provide opportunities to play lacrosse at younger ages, with clinics, rec programs, equipment give aways, etc. There are opportunities for clubs to offer scholarships and support (transportation and lodging for practices, tournaments, etc.) to families that otherwise may not be able to participate in club sports.

These things are worth doing, not only for the development of individual athletes who wouldn't otherwise have access or awareness and may end up loving the sport, but for the growth and health of the game. My recommendation is that the community of parents, coaches, and club directors--not to mention the players as they mature--challenge themselves to create more options and opportunities for this to happen. It would be good for lacrosse and good for the community.

(All of this is separate and not in conflict with recognizing the Native American origins of the sport in North America, honoring that legacy, and supporting ongoing participation of Native American athletes at the highest level.)

Serious question, if black girls in general prefer to do soccer, track, basketball or sports other than lacrosse, why should anyone care? I grew up in Baltimore, and lacrosse has existed there for many decades, and it just hasn't picked up steam in a major way in the black community. Could they be great at it? Of course, but they just don't seem to want to play it in big numbers. I don't know why we should view that as a problem. Everyone doesn't need to do the same things. Some differences don't need to be "fixed".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Let's take a step back and start with some basic facts:

--There is a socio-economic disparity in lacrosse participation, nationally, and in our area. There are also racial and ethnic differences which have a variety of causes, including history of the development of lacrosse in the US (private schools, clubs, etc), familiarity, access, and cost. These reasons are not necessarily nefarious or intentional, but do have impact.

--Speaking of the girls game, lacrosse is an awesome and exciting sport that rewards both speed and athleticism, and trained skill.

--Skill development is best supported by early engagement in rec leagues and access to strong clubs with development commitments later in elementary and middle school. It doesn't wait for a good athlete to show up at a public high school and play--although that is possible.

--There is emerging inclusion of Asian-American girls in higher numbers, in the 2026 class and beyond, that is promising. The top player on the state championship team last year was Asian-American as well.

--Black girls and Latinas are underrepresented in NoVA, and more broadly, in lacrosse, versus their participation in athletics more generally.

There is an opportunity, in this privileged and allegedly enlightened area, to make concerted efforts to reach out to these communities and provide opportunities to play lacrosse at younger ages, with clinics, rec programs, equipment give aways, etc. There are opportunities for clubs to offer scholarships and support (transportation and lodging for practices, tournaments, etc.) to families that otherwise may not be able to participate in club sports.

These things are worth doing, not only for the development of individual athletes who wouldn't otherwise have access or awareness and may end up loving the sport, but for the growth and health of the game. My recommendation is that the community of parents, coaches, and club directors--not to mention the players as they mature--challenge themselves to create more options and opportunities for this to happen. It would be good for lacrosse and good for the community.

(All of this is separate and not in conflict with recognizing the Native American origins of the sport in North America, honoring that legacy, and supporting ongoing participation of Native American athletes at the highest level.)

Serious question, if black girls in general prefer to do soccer, track, basketball or sports other than lacrosse, why should anyone care? I grew up in Baltimore, and lacrosse has existed there for many decades, and it just hasn't picked up steam in a major way in the black community. Could they be great at it? Of course, but they just don't seem to want to play it in big numbers. I don't know why we should view that as a problem. Everyone doesn't need to do the same things. Some differences don't need to be "fixed".

If you think that there aren't barriers and access issues in Baltimore, both structural and cultural, not to mention geographical, then you are kidding yourself. Lacrosse supporters should be seeking the best athletes to play their game. To assume an entire demographic is not interested, is missing the point--hopefully not intentionally.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Let's take a step back and start with some basic facts:

--There is a socio-economic disparity in lacrosse participation, nationally, and in our area. There are also racial and ethnic differences which have a variety of causes, including history of the development of lacrosse in the US (private schools, clubs, etc), familiarity, access, and cost. These reasons are not necessarily nefarious or intentional, but do have impact.

--Speaking of the girls game, lacrosse is an awesome and exciting sport that rewards both speed and athleticism, and trained skill.

--Skill development is best supported by early engagement in rec leagues and access to strong clubs with development commitments later in elementary and middle school. It doesn't wait for a good athlete to show up at a public high school and play--although that is possible.

--There is emerging inclusion of Asian-American girls in higher numbers, in the 2026 class and beyond, that is promising. The top player on the state championship team last year was Asian-American as well.

--Black girls and Latinas are underrepresented in NoVA, and more broadly, in lacrosse, versus their participation in athletics more generally.

There is an opportunity, in this privileged and allegedly enlightened area, to make concerted efforts to reach out to these communities and provide opportunities to play lacrosse at younger ages, with clinics, rec programs, equipment give aways, etc. There are opportunities for clubs to offer scholarships and support (transportation and lodging for practices, tournaments, etc.) to families that otherwise may not be able to participate in club sports.

These things are worth doing, not only for the development of individual athletes who wouldn't otherwise have access or awareness and may end up loving the sport, but for the growth and health of the game. My recommendation is that the community of parents, coaches, and club directors--not to mention the players as they mature--challenge themselves to create more options and opportunities for this to happen. It would be good for lacrosse and good for the community.

(All of this is separate and not in conflict with recognizing the Native American origins of the sport in North America, honoring that legacy, and supporting ongoing participation of Native American athletes at the highest level.)

Serious question, if black girls in general prefer to do soccer, track, basketball or sports other than lacrosse, why should anyone care? I grew up in Baltimore, and lacrosse has existed there for many decades, and it just hasn't picked up steam in a major way in the black community. Could they be great at it? Of course, but they just don't seem to want to play it in big numbers. I don't know why we should view that as a problem. Everyone doesn't need to do the same things. Some differences don't need to be "fixed".

If you think that there aren't barriers and access issues in Baltimore, both structural and cultural, not to mention geographical, then you are kidding yourself. Lacrosse supporters should be seeking the best athletes to play their game. To assume an entire demographic is not interested, is missing the point--hopefully not intentionally.

I'm a lacrosse parent and am not actively recruiting anyone from any demographic to play lacrosse. It's enough to get my own kids to their club practices and games. Why are we responsible for growing the sport or changing any demographics? I'd welcome anyone who signs up and can play, but I don't feel any need to do some sort of recruitment effort, we're not lacking for talent in this growing sport.

[Anonymous]

White kids are underrepresented in football and basketball, but you don’t see anyone whining about it. The lack of diversity in lax is not the hill to die on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Let's take a step back and start with some basic facts:

--There is a socio-economic disparity in lacrosse participation, nationally, and in our area. There are also racial and ethnic differences which have a variety of causes, including history of the development of lacrosse in the US (private schools, clubs, etc), familiarity, access, and cost. These reasons are not necessarily nefarious or intentional, but do have impact.

--Speaking of the girls game, lacrosse is an awesome and exciting sport that rewards both speed and athleticism, and trained skill.

--Skill development is best supported by early engagement in rec leagues and access to strong clubs with development commitments later in elementary and middle school. It doesn't wait for a good athlete to show up at a public high school and play--although that is possible.

--There is emerging inclusion of Asian-American girls in higher numbers, in the 2026 class and beyond, that is promising. The top player on the state championship team last year was Asian-American as well.

--Black girls and Latinas are underrepresented in NoVA, and more broadly, in lacrosse, versus their participation in athletics more generally.

There is an opportunity, in this privileged and allegedly enlightened area, to make concerted efforts to reach out to these communities and provide opportunities to play lacrosse at younger ages, with clinics, rec programs, equipment give aways, etc. There are opportunities for clubs to offer scholarships and support (transportation and lodging for practices, tournaments, etc.) to families that otherwise may not be able to participate in club sports.

These things are worth doing, not only for the development of individual athletes who wouldn't otherwise have access or awareness and may end up loving the sport, but for the growth and health of the game. My recommendation is that the community of parents, coaches, and club directors--not to mention the players as they mature--challenge themselves to create more options and opportunities for this to happen. It would be good for lacrosse and good for the community.

(All of this is separate and not in conflict with recognizing the Native American origins of the sport in North America, honoring that legacy, and supporting ongoing participation of Native American athletes at the highest level.)

Serious question, if black girls in general prefer to do soccer, track, basketball or sports other than lacrosse, why should anyone care? I grew up in Baltimore, and lacrosse has existed there for many decades, and it just hasn't picked up steam in a major way in the black community. Could they be great at it? Of course, but they just don't seem to want to play it in big numbers. I don't know why we should view that as a problem. Everyone doesn't need to do the same things. Some differences don't need to be "fixed".

If you think that there aren't barriers and access issues in Baltimore, both structural and cultural, not to mention geographical, then you are kidding yourself. Lacrosse supporters should be seeking the best athletes to play their game. To assume an entire demographic is not interested, is missing the point--hopefully not intentionally.

I'm a lacrosse parent and am not actively recruiting anyone from any demographic to play lacrosse. It's enough to get my own kids to their club practices and games. Why are we responsible for growing the sport or changing any demographics? I'd welcome anyone who signs up and can play, but I don't feel any need to do some sort of recruitment effort, we're not lacking for talent in this growing sport.

Good news, this doesn’t involve you.

It involves decision makers and leaders way above your standing in the sport, that have given more and are way more invested in the future of the sport than you are. You don’t have to do a thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Let's take a step back and start with some basic facts:

--There is a socio-economic disparity in lacrosse participation, nationally, and in our area. There are also racial and ethnic differences which have a variety of causes, including history of the development of lacrosse in the US (private schools, clubs, etc), familiarity, access, and cost. These reasons are not necessarily nefarious or intentional, but do have impact.

--Speaking of the girls game, lacrosse is an awesome and exciting sport that rewards both speed and athleticism, and trained skill.

--Skill development is best supported by early engagement in rec leagues and access to strong clubs with development commitments later in elementary and middle school. It doesn't wait for a good athlete to show up at a public high school and play--although that is possible.

--There is emerging inclusion of Asian-American girls in higher numbers, in the 2026 class and beyond, that is promising. The top player on the state championship team last year was Asian-American as well.

--Black girls and Latinas are underrepresented in NoVA, and more broadly, in lacrosse, versus their participation in athletics more generally.

There is an opportunity, in this privileged and allegedly enlightened area, to make concerted efforts to reach out to these communities and provide opportunities to play lacrosse at younger ages, with clinics, rec programs, equipment give aways, etc. There are opportunities for clubs to offer scholarships and support (transportation and lodging for practices, tournaments, etc.) to families that otherwise may not be able to participate in club sports.

These things are worth doing, not only for the development of individual athletes who wouldn't otherwise have access or awareness and may end up loving the sport, but for the growth and health of the game. My recommendation is that the community of parents, coaches, and club directors--not to mention the players as they mature--challenge themselves to create more options and opportunities for this to happen. It would be good for lacrosse and good for the community.

(All of this is separate and not in conflict with recognizing the Native American origins of the sport in North America, honoring that legacy, and supporting ongoing participation of Native American athletes at the highest level.)

Serious question, if black girls in general prefer to do soccer, track, basketball or sports other than lacrosse, why should anyone care? I grew up in Baltimore, and lacrosse has existed there for many decades, and it just hasn't picked up steam in a major way in the black community. Could they be great at it? Of course, but they just don't seem to want to play it in big numbers. I don't know why we should view that as a problem. Everyone doesn't need to do the same things. Some differences don't need to be "fixed".

If you think that there aren't barriers and access issues in Baltimore, both structural and cultural, not to mention geographical, then you are kidding yourself. Lacrosse supporters should be seeking the best athletes to play their game. To assume an entire demographic is not interested, is missing the point--hopefully not intentionally.

I'm a lacrosse parent and am not actively recruiting anyone from any demographic to play lacrosse. It's enough to get my own kids to their club practices and games. Why are we responsible for growing the sport or changing any demographics? I'd welcome anyone who signs up and can play, but I don't feel any need to do some sort of recruitment effort, we're not lacking for talent in this growing sport.

Good news, this doesn’t involve you.

It involves decision makers and leaders way above your standing in the sport, that have given more and are way more invested in the future of the sport than you are. You don’t have to do a thing.

I think what these all-powerful leaders probably need more than anything is more virtue signaling on this issue from UMC SAHMs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Let's take a step back and start with some basic facts:

--There is a socio-economic disparity in lacrosse participation, nationally, and in our area. There are also racial and ethnic differences which have a variety of causes, including history of the development of lacrosse in the US (private schools, clubs, etc), familiarity, access, and cost. These reasons are not necessarily nefarious or intentional, but do have impact.

--Speaking of the girls game, lacrosse is an awesome and exciting sport that rewards both speed and athleticism, and trained skill.

--Skill development is best supported by early engagement in rec leagues and access to strong clubs with development commitments later in elementary and middle school. It doesn't wait for a good athlete to show up at a public high school and play--although that is possible.

--There is emerging inclusion of Asian-American girls in higher numbers, in the 2026 class and beyond, that is promising. The top player on the state championship team last year was Asian-American as well.

--Black girls and Latinas are underrepresented in NoVA, and more broadly, in lacrosse, versus their participation in athletics more generally.

There is an opportunity, in this privileged and allegedly enlightened area, to make concerted efforts to reach out to these communities and provide opportunities to play lacrosse at younger ages, with clinics, rec programs, equipment give aways, etc. There are opportunities for clubs to offer scholarships and support (transportation and lodging for practices, tournaments, etc.) to families that otherwise may not be able to participate in club sports.

These things are worth doing, not only for the development of individual athletes who wouldn't otherwise have access or awareness and may end up loving the sport, but for the growth and health of the game. My recommendation is that the community of parents, coaches, and club directors--not to mention the players as they mature--challenge themselves to create more options and opportunities for this to happen. It would be good for lacrosse and good for the community.

(All of this is separate and not in conflict with recognizing the Native American origins of the sport in North America, honoring that legacy, and supporting ongoing participation of Native American athletes at the highest level.)

Serious question, if black girls in general prefer to do soccer, track, basketball or sports other than lacrosse, why should anyone care? I grew up in Baltimore, and lacrosse has existed there for many decades, and it just hasn't picked up steam in a major way in the black community. Could they be great at it? Of course, but they just don't seem to want to play it in big numbers. I don't know why we should view that as a problem. Everyone doesn't need to do the same things. Some differences don't need to be "fixed".

If you think that there aren't barriers and access issues in Baltimore, both structural and cultural, not to mention geographical, then you are kidding yourself. Lacrosse supporters should be seeking the best athletes to play their game. To assume an entire demographic is not interested, is missing the point--hopefully not intentionally.

I'm a lacrosse parent and am not actively recruiting anyone from any demographic to play lacrosse. It's enough to get my own kids to their club practices and games. Why are we responsible for growing the sport or changing any demographics? I'd welcome anyone who signs up and can play, but I don't feel any need to do some sort of recruitment effort, we're not lacking for talent in this growing sport.

If you didn't realize it while you typed, you are certainly part of the problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Let's take a step back and start with some basic facts:

--There is a socio-economic disparity in lacrosse participation, nationally, and in our area. There are also racial and ethnic differences which have a variety of causes, including history of the development of lacrosse in the US (private schools, clubs, etc), familiarity, access, and cost. These reasons are not necessarily nefarious or intentional, but do have impact.

--Speaking of the girls game, lacrosse is an awesome and exciting sport that rewards both speed and athleticism, and trained skill.

--Skill development is best supported by early engagement in rec leagues and access to strong clubs with development commitments later in elementary and middle school. It doesn't wait for a good athlete to show up at a public high school and play--although that is possible.

--There is emerging inclusion of Asian-American girls in higher numbers, in the 2026 class and beyond, that is promising. The top player on the state championship team last year was Asian-American as well.

--Black girls and Latinas are underrepresented in NoVA, and more broadly, in lacrosse, versus their participation in athletics more generally.

There is an opportunity, in this privileged and allegedly enlightened area, to make concerted efforts to reach out to these communities and provide opportunities to play lacrosse at younger ages, with clinics, rec programs, equipment give aways, etc. There are opportunities for clubs to offer scholarships and support (transportation and lodging for practices, tournaments, etc.) to families that otherwise may not be able to participate in club sports.

These things are worth doing, not only for the development of individual athletes who wouldn't otherwise have access or awareness and may end up loving the sport, but for the growth and health of the game. My recommendation is that the community of parents, coaches, and club directors--not to mention the players as they mature--challenge themselves to create more options and opportunities for this to happen. It would be good for lacrosse and good for the community.

(All of this is separate and not in conflict with recognizing the Native American origins of the sport in North America, honoring that legacy, and supporting ongoing participation of Native American athletes at the highest level.)

Serious question, if black girls in general prefer to do soccer, track, basketball or sports other than lacrosse, why should anyone care? I grew up in Baltimore, and lacrosse has existed there for many decades, and it just hasn't picked up steam in a major way in the black community. Could they be great at it? Of course, but they just don't seem to want to play it in big numbers. I don't know why we should view that as a problem. Everyone doesn't need to do the same things. Some differences don't need to be "fixed".

If you think that there aren't barriers and access issues in Baltimore, both structural and cultural, not to mention geographical, then you are kidding yourself. Lacrosse supporters should be seeking the best athletes to play their game. To assume an entire demographic is not interested, is missing the point--hopefully not intentionally.

I'm a lacrosse parent and am not actively recruiting anyone from any demographic to play lacrosse. It's enough to get my own kids to their club practices and games. Why are we responsible for growing the sport or changing any demographics? I'd welcome anyone who signs up and can play, but I don't feel any need to do some sort of recruitment effort, we're not lacking for talent in this growing sport.

If you didn't realize it while you typed, you are certainly part of the problem.

Thank you for your virtue. Noted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Let's take a step back and start with some basic facts:

--There is a socio-economic disparity in lacrosse participation, nationally, and in our area. There are also racial and ethnic differences which have a variety of causes, including history of the development of lacrosse in the US (private schools, clubs, etc), familiarity, access, and cost. These reasons are not necessarily nefarious or intentional, but do have impact.

--Speaking of the girls game, lacrosse is an awesome and exciting sport that rewards both speed and athleticism, and trained skill.

--Skill development is best supported by early engagement in rec leagues and access to strong clubs with development commitments later in elementary and middle school. It doesn't wait for a good athlete to show up at a public high school and play--although that is possible.

--There is emerging inclusion of Asian-American girls in higher numbers, in the 2026 class and beyond, that is promising. The top player on the state championship team last year was Asian-American as well.

--Black girls and Latinas are underrepresented in NoVA, and more broadly, in lacrosse, versus their participation in athletics more generally.

There is an opportunity, in this privileged and allegedly enlightened area, to make concerted efforts to reach out to these communities and provide opportunities to play lacrosse at younger ages, with clinics, rec programs, equipment give aways, etc. There are opportunities for clubs to offer scholarships and support (transportation and lodging for practices, tournaments, etc.) to families that otherwise may not be able to participate in club sports.

These things are worth doing, not only for the development of individual athletes who wouldn't otherwise have access or awareness and may end up loving the sport, but for the growth and health of the game. My recommendation is that the community of parents, coaches, and club directors--not to mention the players as they mature--challenge themselves to create more options and opportunities for this to happen. It would be good for lacrosse and good for the community.

(All of this is separate and not in conflict with recognizing the Native American origins of the sport in North America, honoring that legacy, and supporting ongoing participation of Native American athletes at the highest level.)

Serious question, if black girls in general prefer to do soccer, track, basketball or sports other than lacrosse, why should anyone care? I grew up in Baltimore, and lacrosse has existed there for many decades, and it just hasn't picked up steam in a major way in the black community. Could they be great at it? Of course, but they just don't seem to want to play it in big numbers. I don't know why we should view that as a problem. Everyone doesn't need to do the same things. Some differences don't need to be "fixed".

If you think that there aren't barriers and access issues in Baltimore, both structural and cultural, not to mention geographical, then you are kidding yourself. Lacrosse supporters should be seeking the best athletes to play their game. To assume an entire demographic is not interested, is missing the point--hopefully not intentionally.

I'm a lacrosse parent and am not actively recruiting anyone from any demographic to play lacrosse. It's enough to get my own kids to their club practices and games. Why are we responsible for growing the sport or changing any demographics? I'd welcome anyone who signs up and can play, but I don't feel any need to do some sort of recruitment effort, we're not lacking for talent in this growing sport.

If you didn't realize it while you typed, you are certainly part of the problem.

Yes, if you're not actively checking your privilege with every word you type on any subject then to you I say - do better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:White kids are underrepresented in football and basketball, but you don’t see anyone whining about it. The lack of diversity in lax is not the hill to die on.

This. I guess if you want to see race in everything, go for it. Pretty sure kids don’t see it, which gives me hope. At least the kids I coach in football and basketball don’t. Always the adults screwing things up.