Over the past two decades, the growth of lacrosse in the state of Florida has been as strong as virtually any other part of the country. From the rise of new collegiate programs to the sanctioning of the game at the high school level, Florida reflects wonderful growth in virtually all corners of the state.

Team camaraderie plays a large part in overall team performance, as well as in how each player performs individually. The panelists in this session, The Power of Inclusive Leadership, discussed how an inclusive team environment correlates to team success, both on and off the field. 

Coaches and team leaders must both proactively take responsibility for creating an inclusive culture. The panelists noted the importance of coaches clearly outlining their values to their players.

Chloe Jones is a high school junior at Ursuline Academy in Delaware who has committed to play at Syracuse University. The midfielder also shares her passion for the game by serving as a lacrosse clinician for younger players.

Tell us about your background?
I am originally from Baltimore and moved to Delaware when I was in the 4th grade. I am one of seven kids and the oldest girl.

As part of our Black History Month celebration, US Lacrosse is highlighting contributions made by Black women in our sport. Whether on the field or off of it, Black women have helped our sport grow to where it is today.

This week, we are featuring three women in the lacrosse community whose contributions have made this sport a safer and more welcoming environment.

Christianne Malone
Detroit City Lacrosse
US Lacrosse Board of Directors

How did you get into the sport?

Having been involved in athletics for most of her life, Abi Jackson well understands the potentially powerful impact of being a coach. Beyond just helping players with skill development and game understanding, a coach can leave a lasting imprint on a young person’s life, extending far beyond the field of play. 

It’s both a privilege, and a responsibility. 

Now in her 17th year as a women’s lacrosse head coach, including her 11th season at Union College in Schenectady, N.Y., Jackson relishes the calling. It’s a responsibility she gladly accepts. 

Gifted by the Creator to the Haudenosaunee people, lacrosse has deep spiritual and ceremonial roots for Native Americans. The game is often used to heal the sick, resolve conflicts, and make peace among the nations, in addition to being played for fun.

Today, Native lacrosse athletes see themselves as ambassadors for their game, sharing with the rest of the world the values that they have always associated with lacrosse - friendship, equity, and peace.

This time last year, there were a lot of plays on words between the year 2020 and 20/20 vision. 2020 was deemed the year of clarity — of clear vision. Many hoped for prosperity and more mobility in their lives. This time last year, we were concluding Black History Month on the cusp of an unforeseen national shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This time last year, the country did not know about George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, or Ahmaud Arbery. This time last year, professional leagues and college conferences had competitions in a variety of sports.

US Lacrosse had adopted a detailed anti-harassment and discrimination policy that includes recommended steps for leagues, events and lacrosse organizations to follow when there are violations of the policy.

SPARKS, Md. — US Lacrosse is proud to work with Nation United Foundation (NUF), Black Lacrosse Alliance and other stakeholders in the lacrosse community in supporting the WE STAND initiative, an effort aimed at promoting anti-harassment and anti-racism in sports.

US Lacrosse is now accepting nominations for two LGBTQ+ Inclusion Scholarships aimed at providing financial support to student-athletes who demonstrate positive sensitivity to and involvement in LGBTQ+ issues. 

The scholarship application is open to self-identified LGBTQ+ individuals who are graduating high school seniors from the class of 2021. Applications will be accepted through May 1, 2021, with winners notified by June 1.