Diversity

Part of the challenge of any endeavor is getting buy-in from participants. Growing the game of lacrosse, especially among non-traditional participants, is no different.

Throughout the day today, US Lacrosse will be celebrating the Women Sports Foundation’s National Girls & Women in Sports Day initiative with inspirational quotes and thoughts from some of the leading voices in the game as we celebrate this year’s theme — Lead Her Forward.

As one of the most decorated players of his generation, the 2005 Tewaaraton Award winner has grown into the responsibility of fostering positive change in the sport he loves.

Two years ago, Jacqueline Bartelt’s daughter transferred into Lawrence North High School, located in Indianapolis’ northeast suburbs. Much to her disappointment, the school did not have a girls’ lacrosse team. Rather than accept the status quo, mother and daughter got busy.

The Hempstead Police Athletic League (PAL) program, relaunched in 2012, is helping to develop the sport on Long Island and fuel the dreams of players like Dylan Willis, a sophomore on the men's lacrosse team at St. John's.

Established in 2006 and sponsored by US Lacrosse, the Tewaaraton’s scholarship program annually recognizes two high school seniors, one Native American male and one Native American female, for academic achievement and lacrosse excellence.

US Lacrosse has produced a series of short videos that are designed to assist Urban Lacrosse Alliance program leaders in various aspects of administering a program.

The Sankofa Clinic Series is fast becoming one of US Lacrosse's most popular offerings in cities of need.

Diversity scholarships are intended to provide funds to deserving lacrosse leaders who require financial assistance in order to pursue professional development opportunities in coaching. Eligible coaches include those who provide lacrosse programming for underserved or underrepresented youth. 

Roc E6, a member of the US Lacrosse Urban Lacrosse Alliance (ULA) based in the Rochester, N.Y. area, had the opportunity to participate in the Shootout for Soldiers event at Canadaigua Academy in late July.