As USA Lacrosse joins with the rest of the lacrosse community in the recognition of April as Celebrate Diversity Month, we're taking a closer look at how increased diversity in lacrosse has opened the door to players, coaches, and program leaders from all walks of life. Throughout April, we are spotlighting a variety of different people involved in lacrosse with the hope of showcasing not only the progress that our sport has made, but also its potential to powerfully impact the next generation of players.
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What's your background? How long have you played lacrosse and in what aspects of the game are you involved?
My name is Jaden Saysanam and I attend Boswell High School in Fort Worth, Texas, but I play for Keller High School’s varsity team because Boswell does not have one. I’m a junior now and I have been playing lacrosse since 5th grade. I am a face off player and I volunteer when I can with the bantam and youth teams, helping with practices and coaching face off practices. I am of Lao decent. Laos is a country in Southeast Asia. My dad and his parents, and my mom's parents were immigrants who came here as refugees in 1980. My dad and his family settled in Fort Worth, Texas, while my mom's parents settled in Auburn, N.Y.
How has diversity enhanced the game of lacrosse?
Diversity brings people from different walks of life together to share a common bond. When we are open to people of all backgrounds sharing their experiences, on a local level, it strengthens the team, which then creates good experiences and players keep returning, which then strengthens the local organization. On the other end, when there is diversity on a larger platform, like in college lacrosse or in the PLL, that inspires and influences the younger viewers to want to play. Personally, diversity in lacrosse has brought more friendships into my life because we tend to be drawn to those with similar experiences and backgrounds. It has connected me with more Asian-American players on all levels.
What can this sport do to become more diverse?
To become more diverse, there could be more programs focused on diverse players, like Nation United or Bridge Lacrosse. The cost of equipment holds a lot of people back. A program like TryLax is great because it's a low-cost way for young players to try lacrosse. Featuring players of all different backgrounds in media is also important so that viewers can see themselves in those players. They feel a sense of relatedness, connection, and a common bond. It is also important to have players from all backgrounds at all levels, because younger players look up to players who are just a few years older than them, not just the players who are in the PLL. For example, a 1st grader looks up to a 5th grader, and that 5th grader looks up to a high school player.
Another important component for lacrosse diversity is to have coaches at all levels who promote & celebrate diversity, acceptance, and inclusion. Coaches like this make a big impact on players because they create a safe space in which to be coached, and players do not worry about being singled out or experiencing microaggressions because of their race. They also know that if they do experience those things from teammates or from opponents, their coach will stand up for them and not just brush it off like it is not a big deal.
What does diversity mean to you?
Diversity makes each of us unique because of our backgrounds, beliefs, life experiences, and all of the things that make us who we are. It is a combination of our differences that can shape our view of the world. It is important to represent where I come from, my heritage and culture. I want to celebrate it, instead of feeling ashamed or feeling like an outcast. That’s why I feel that representation matters; because it helps inspire players who are of a minority background and allows them to see someone who is similar to themselves.
I have much gratitude for the opportunity to learn about lacrosse and play, which is why I try my best to be a good ambassador of the game, and a positive role model to the younger players I help. I want to be someone that younger players can look up to, relate to, and be inspired by. I like it when I hear the Asian-American kids who meet me say to the people around them, “He is Asian, like me.”
Why is increasing diversity in lacrosse important?
When there are coaches and players from different backgrounds involved, there is more of a chance for someone to feel a sense of connection, which leads to relationship building and inclusiveness. That, in turn, leads to the development of a supportive community. Giving everyone, regardless of their background, an opportunity to play helps to grow the game. I think a lot of times kids stay in a sport not just because they love it, but also because of what they experience. If they feel like they are connected, feel like they are getting recognized, feel confident, and they are having fun, they keep playing. Personally, seeing players who are of a minority background makes me feel not so alone and it inspires me to think that if he can do this and beat the odds, maybe I can too.
