Jonathan and Lauren Napper know it’s coming. They can see it on the horizon. Slowly but surely, it’s gaining more energy. They have seen this before.
As former college soccer players who have now become lacrosse parents, the Nappers know that lacrosse could soon explode in Texas, just as soccer did for their generation. All the evidence they need is found under their own roof in Dallas.
Their daughter, Layla, is consumed by the sport. Having started with lacrosse as a five-year-old, her devotion to the game over the past 10 years has been all-encompassing, and the results are starting to show.
Earlier this month Layla earned a spot on the U.S. Girls U15 National Team following a three-day national combine at USA Lacrosse headquarters in Sparks, Md. She’s recognized as being among the nation’s elite in her age group.
“She’s very good,” Lauren said, “even though we always put soccer balls at her feet. She’s always felt more natural on the lacrosse field than she did with soccer.”
Across Texas, lacrosse is taking root in ways never seen before. Kids are discovering the sport for the first time. Communities are reaching out to USA Lacrosse to ask how they can bring lacrosse to their schools. Coaches and volunteers are stepping forward, ready to lead but needing support.
Texas is ready for lacrosse. The only thing that’s holding back the sport’s explosion across the Lone Star state is the investment needed to match the momentum.
To help fill that void, USA Lacrosse has launched the Texas Lacrosse Growth Fund to meet this moment. This three-year focused strategy aims to accelerate growth, expand access, and build a sustainable statewide foundation for the sport.
“Texas is one of the fastest growing lacrosse markets in the country,” said Marc Riccio, President & CEO of USA Lacrosse. “We believe Texas is uniquely positioned to be a leader in accelerating the sixes game on the road to LA28.”
The financial investment is intended to help address the same growth barriers in Texas that many other emerging areas also face. Programs require field space. Coaches and officials need training. School districts need guidance. And families are looking for better access and opportunities.
The Nappers are happy to be part of the solution. As one of the first families to support the Texas Lacrosse Growth Fund, they hope to create more opportunities for players in Texas to chase their dreams, just as their own daughter has.
“We want to be a proponent for the sport here in Texas,” Jonathan said. “As parents, we want to help nurture and grow our daughter’s dreams and aspirations. But we also want to help empower future young lacrosse stars here in Texas so that they can also have a great experience the same way that Layla has had.”
In many parts of Texas, interest is high, but resources are limited. By raising $1 million over three years, USA Lacrosse hopes that the Texas Lacrosse Growth Fund will fuel high impact initiatives that drive both immediate participation and long term sustainability.
Specific growth strategies include increasing youth participation through physical education programs in schools, training more coaches and officials, and helping to launch more boys’ and girls’ high school programs statewide.
“There are plenty of girls that want to do it,” Lauren said. “I think there are people here that are thirsty for the sport.”
Local advocates and supporters like the Nappers are essential to success. Their impact goes beyond just funding programs -- they are investing in shaping the future of the sport by fueling a statewide lacrosse movement.
“We are committed to supporting the expansion and long-term growth of lacrosse across Texas by investing in the people, programs, and infrastructure that make the sport accessible to everyone,” said Nate Snyder, major gifts officer at USA Lacrosse. “Together, we can create opportunities for the next generation of players.”
Supporting the Movement
Donors who want to help accelerate the growth of lacrosse in Texas by fueling new opportunities are invited to contact Nate Snyder via email for further information about the Texas Lacrosse Growth Fund.
