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. By spotlighting a variety of different people involved in lacrosse, our hope is to showcase the progress that our sport has made as well as its potential to powerfully impact the next generation of players. Below, we hear from wheelchair lacrosse player Caroline Roberts.
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What's your background? How long have you played lacrosse and in what aspects of the game are you involved?
I live in Milwaukee and play lacrosse with the Milwaukee Eagles. Our team is sponsored through the Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association and our coaching is supported by Marquette University’s lacrosse program. We are the first and only wheelchair lacrosse team in the state of Wisconsin. I have been playing wheelchair lacrosse with my team for seven years.
How has diversity enhanced the game of lacrosse?
Diversity has allowed the game of lacrosse to spread to those who have never played. Wheelchair lacrosse has only been an organized sport since 2010. Started by a team in San Diego, wheelchair lacrosse has spread across the country with teams now playing from coast to coast. New groups of athletes with mobility impairments are playing lacrosse at a high level for the first time. The sport welcomes anyone to play regardless of their need to use a wheelchair. Inclusion is at the heart of the game. This opportunity for kids, adults, and veterans with disabilities has been welcomed with open arms by the general lacrosse community. It’s truly a wonderful thing.
What can this sport do to become more diverse?
The lacrosse community can continue to support new groups of people. Just as wheelchair lacrosse has opened a whole new world to athletes with mobility impairments, other groups and demographics can be welcomed to the sport. People are often surprised wheelchair lacrosse is an organized sport. They ask, “How can you hold a stick and push your chair at the same time?” The answer is “Hold your stick and push your chair at the same time.” Having an open mind and a little room for creativity has paved the way for so many new athletes to play lacrosse. I am excited to watch this sport explode with more athletes, coaches, and officials than we can imagine over the upcoming years. People who have a passion for the sport of lacrosse will adapt and find a way to enjoy the game.
What does diversity mean to you?
Diversity means bringing people together for the love of the game. Nothing beats the community that a lacrosse team shares with one another, whether it is during the height of a competitive game or talking for a few minutes while packing up your gear. I enjoy my friendships with teammates who come from different backgrounds of race, gender, sexual orientation, and a wide range of ages. Lacrosse gives people purpose. Everyone has an equal spot on the field. As a female adaptive athlete, it is so important to hear that. Sports have the power to bring people together and change the world for the better - on and off the field.
Why is increasing diversity in lacrosse important?
Diversity is vital for underrepresented athletes. Many people within the disability community and even the general public do not know about opportunities that exist in adaptive sports. Anyone can acquire a disability in their lifetime. Knowing about wheelchair lacrosse is key to joining a team and creating more teams across the United States. Currently, there is one wheelchair lacrosse team per state. Spreading the word can mean more local play for athletes and elevates the game to a higher level. I hope that year after year, diversity will continue being an important and positive conversation. It will bring more awareness about the game of lacrosse to those of all backgrounds.
