SPARKS, Md. – Participation trends are shifting, youth sports are evolving, and the broader landscape of sport and physical activity in the U.S. is changing. Join USA Lacrosse for a free “State of the Sport” Webinar on Wednesday, March 25 at noon (Eastern) to explore what the data reveals about the future of the game.

SPARKS, Md. – National Lacrosse Hall of Famers Dave Pietramala and Chris Sailer will be honored at the 5th annual USA Lacrosse Foundation Gala on June 4, 2026 in New York City. The event will be held at Gotham Hall.

Launched in 2022, the USA Lacrosse Foundation Gala was created to honor the influential roles of players, coaches, fans and supporters in shaping the sport’s future – while also raising critical funds to advance initiatives that drive lacrosse’s continued growth.

I stood backstage at the USA Lacrosse Foundation Gala. Behind the black curtains stage right I could see the main screen and take in the grandeur of New York City’s Gotham Hall.  

The crowd always hums at this event. It usually takes the loud whistle from USA Lacrosse Foundation Board Vice Chair Mike Ferrucci to quiet the ballroom. 

But not in this moment. 

Visitors to the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame and Museum, located at USA Lacrosse Headquarters in Sparks, Md., will find all the things that could be expected in a place committed to preserving the history of the game: old sticks, photos of iconic players and events, uniforms, equipment, and more.

USA Lacrosse has named John Schlie of Mars, Pa. as winner of the organization’s 2024 Youth Coach of the Year Award, given to an outstanding youth coach who embodies the characteristics of an ideal coach, dedicating himself to the players and providing the best possible lacrosse experience for everyone.  

The award winner is selected from among all nominations submitted and is an individual who thoroughly embodies the mission and vision of USA Lacrosse.

Cara Morris joined USA Lacrosse as comptroller in 2000. After working at a publicly traded manufacturing company — where “the numbers were just the numbers” and sometimes required 18-hour days to compute — she longed for a change. Non-profit work seemed appealing, and her brother lived in the area. 

Lacrosse (or sports) wasn’t on her mind, nor was a long stint at her next stop. 

“My goal was never to stay at USA Lacrosse for more than three years,” Morris said. 

USA Lacrosse is backing an effort to have high school lacrosse added as a sanctioned sport in the state of Nevada. The Las Vegas Desert Dogs and Nevada State Senator Fabian Doñate introduced legislation — Senate Bill 305 — to the Nevada Senate Committee on Education on Monday, March 17. A final decision from the committee is due by mid-April.

Marc Riccio, CEO of USA Lacrosse, and Caitlin Kelley, Senior Director of Sport Administration for USA Lacrosse, are scheduled to offer testimony to the committee.

High school rivalry games, league championship contests, and Top 20 college matchups are among the featured events on USA Lacrosse’s Tierney Field for the 2025 spring season. The current schedule includes over 35 high school and college games, with additional games still being added.

Four weeks ago, Hurricane Helene brought devastating destruction to many parts of the Southeastern United States. The widespread damage was as severe in western North Carolina as just about anywhere, with the eye of the storm passing through Asheville on September 28. The region encountered once-in-a generation flooding, widespread water and power outages, downed trees, damaged structures, and extensive debris. It was an unprecedented disaster.

Unfortunately, the lacrosse community was not spared.

A common saying in the quest for lacrosse growth is that a rising tide lifts all ships.

That’s a philosophy embraced by True Lacrosse, a national club program that boasts more than 500 teams in 23 states. As part of its overall philosophy, True Lacrosse embraces its players participating in their local community programs whenever possible.