What is “clipping?”
No, it’s not another lacrosse term like crease crank, yard sale or wheels — and it’s also not a phrase your enthusiastic parent will scream from the bleachers. There’s a new phenomenon taking the youth girls’ lacrosse space by storm, and it’s all about quietly spreading positivity.
There’s been a shift in girls' sports. After practice or throughout a tournament, young athletes are getting “clipped” by clothespins. That’s right; small wooden clothespins, all decorated and bedazzled with funny memes or words of encouragement.
Pat McGinnis, Kerri O’Day and Jesse Arline, coaches of the M&D 2031 Black, support their athletes in their quest to quietly change the energy of youth sports.
“Clipping’s when you write a positive or funny message on a clip,” midfielder Kylie Briggs said, “and then when someone’s not paying attention or they’re distracted, you walk up to them, and you can put it on one of their belongings.”
Each clip comes with a handwritten affirmation or design — like “You’re Strong,” “Keep Pushing,” or even a reference to a chronically online joke. There are no stats or scoreboard advantages, just the passing of good vibes from one girl to another.
“We’re building each other up and making each other feel positive,” attacker Landry O’Day said. “Which I think is good because, you know, girlhood.”
HOW IT STARTED
“Landry came up with the idea in our group chat,” midfielder Katie Gorman said.
When Arline asked where O’Day came up with the idea, she spoke with an excited voice: “TikTok!”
“I got the idea from people in volleyball and cheer doing it.” O'Day said. “Then I thought, ‘Why can’t lacrosse do it?’”
Clipping is popular in girls’ youth sports, especially in the tournament space. From soccer to volleyball to cheer, young athletes are sharing their latest clipping attempts on social media, targeting everyone from players and coaches to parents and event staff.
Some girls even got the chance to clip four-time NBA champion Steph Curry at a volleyball tournament.
As for designing the clips, each girl has their own approach.
Midfielder Grayson Sody and O’Day joined together during spring break and decorated clips. They also do it as a team. The girls expressed that even if someone doesn’t have the capability or time to make one, they help each other out.
“Some people make them and then they’ll share it with [others] so they can clip people, too,” midfielder Bryn Bryson said.
While the girls work on different clips, they draw inspiration from other clips they’ve seen in passing. Each player puts their own spin on their designs.
“I put, ‘They not like us,’” said Bryson, referencing a song by Kendrick Lamar.
“I usually put funny things on there like a drawing of Patrick [Star],” Sody said.
WHY CLIPPING MATTERS
In sports, the focus is often on performance: who scored, who started, who won. But clipping flips that narrative. It centers on character, not competition.
“It just brings you a lot of confidence,” Briggs said. “It makes you feel better about yourself.”
At its core, clipping is about emotional recognition: seeing the whole person behind the player. It reminds kids that being a good teammate isn’t just about assists or hustle. It’s about empathy, kindness and the small moments that build a real sense of belonging.
That sentiment is echoed by Caitlin Schmelz, the vice president of lacrosse at Elite Tournaments.
“Clipping has added a fun and meaningful way for teams to interact beyond the game,” she said. “It encourages players to recognize and appreciate each other — whether teammates or opponents — and creates a sense of connection that often leads to more positive sideline interactions and shared moments across programs.”
The benefits go beyond the individual.
“Clipping encourages athletes to look for the good in others, even in competitive settings,” Schmelz said. “It’s a great reminder that sportsmanship matters and helps build a culture where respect and encouragement are just as important as performance.”
This culture shift has a ripple effect on morale and confidence.
“For individuals, getting a clip feels like a personal ‘you’re doing great’ moment, especially during tense games,” Schmelz said. “For teams, it becomes a shared ritual that lifts spirits and brings a sense of unity and positivity to the sidelines.”
Even the way athletes support each other has evolved. Schmelz has noticed that players have become more encouraging toward their teammates and even toward other teams.
Clipping has turned into more than just a trend; it’s a reminder of the heart behind the hustle.
“I’ve learned that athletes thrive on connection just as much as competition,” Schmelz said. “They’re not only here to play — they care about encouraging each other and being part of something positive.”
HOW TO START CLIPPING
As for advice to anyone thinking about introducing clipping to their team?
“Go for it!” Schmelz said. “Once you start, it catches on fast. We’ve even had events where stores ran out of clothes pins. It’s simple, impactful and brings a whole new energy to the game.”
The M&D 2031 Black players caution that it's best to do it stealthily.
“I think you have to be cool and quiet about it,” Sody said. “You sneak up behind them and just clip their hair or something. And it’s really funny. … I just think it’s really cool whoever created it.”
The pins are small. The messages are short. But the feeling? Lasting.
For these young athletes, clipping is more than a cute trend. It’s a quiet revolution in how they show up for each other. In a sport that can be high-pressure and competitive, clipping offers a moment to pause, recognize and uplift.
It’s easy to cheer when someone scores. It’s harder, and more meaningful, to lift someone up when they’re struggling, frustrated or overlooked.
That’s what clipping teaches: that encouragement doesn’t need to be loud or flashy. Sometimes, it’s just a glittery clothespin with a handwritten “You’re doing great!” stuck on your gear bag when you least expect it and most need it.
CLIPPING WITH USA LACROSSE
As this movement continues to grow, USA Lacrosse is excited to bring the tradition of clipping to an even bigger stage. At the upcoming USA Lacrosse Youth Nationals, taking place July 15–16 at Cedar Lane Regional Park in Maryland, athletes and fans alike will be able to stop by a Clipping Design Station to create their own clips.
The event, which brings together the top 13U–15U girls’ teams from across the country, is known for its high-level play and championship atmosphere. But this year, it’s also becoming a hub for connection, creativity and sportsmanship.
Whether you're playing in the tournament, cheering from the sideline, or coaching from the bench, the Clipping Station invites everyone to join the movement. You can craft personalized clips, decorate them with affirmations, glitter, memes, or whatever message feels meaningful, and pass it on to someone who could use a boost.
Because even at the most competitive levels, what sticks isn’t always the score; it’s how we support one another along the way.
