News Summary

Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, high school lacrosse will be recognized as an official varsity sport in Nevada, thanks to the efforts of the Las Vegas Desert Dogs and support from Governor Joe Lombardo. This groundbreaking initiative is set to enhance opportunities for young athletes and bring the sport into the organized academic environment, fostering community spirit and competition across the state. The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) is preparing to officially recognize both boys and girls lacrosse, marking a significant milestone for youth sports in the Silver State.

Exciting News for Lacrosse Lovers in Nevada!

Las Vegas is buzzing with excitement, and it’s not just because of the bright lights or the slot machines. No, it’s something even more thrilling—high school lacrosse is about to become an official varsity sport in Nevada! Starting with the 2026-2027 school year, the Las Vegas Desert Dogs, in partnership with USA Lacrosse, are gearing up to support this fantastic initiative laid out by Governor Joe Lombardo.

A Big Leap for Youth Lacrosse

This move is a game-changer for youth lacrosse enthusiasts all over the Silver State. Not only does it bring legitimacy to the sport, but it also paves the way for so many budding athletes to take the field in organized fashion. Governor Lombardo, who’s been instrumental in pushing for this change, has expressed sincere appreciation for the hard work that the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) has shown in making lacrosse a sanctioned sport.

The acknowledgement of lacrosse as a sport with a rich cultural heritage is significant. It’s an invitation for more students to pick up a stick, get active, and join in on the fun. Just imagine high schools across the state bursting with new lacrosse teams and spirited matches; it’s bound to be electric!

Community Support: Key to Success

The NIAA is planning to officially recognize both boys and girls lacrosse under their varsity banner by that 2026-27 academic year. To ensure everything is in line, an Emergency Board of Control Meeting is on the horizon to discuss this exciting new addition. There’s a strong sense of community support behind this movement—coaches, school administrators, and families have all rallied together to champion this cause. Having such a solid backing has made this milestone a reality, and it reflects lacrosse’s soaring popularity across Nevada.

Numbers That Speak Volumes

Now, let’s dive into the numbers. Did you know that from 2000 to 2024, the number of high school lacrosse varsity teams surged from 1,470 to 6,484? That’s a jaw-dropping increase of 341%. In the NCAA world, the number of lacrosse athletes has also seen a remarkable rise of 165% during the same period. With lacrosse set to be included in the 2028 Summer Olympics, it’s clear that the sport will soon gain even more visibility and momentum.

Endless Opportunities Awaits

Bringing lacrosse under the auspices of the NIAA is more than just a policy change; it’s a huge leap towards expanding opportunities for high school athletes. The CEO of USA Lacrosse has noted that this new regulation will open up so many pathways for young players. Lacrosse will officially join the ranks of sanctioned sports in Nevada, marking it as the 16th sport recognized by the NIAA, alongside sports like football, soccer, and basketball.

What’s Next?

Now, you might be wondering about what happens next. The NIAA will share more detailed timelines and implementation plans regarding how this new sport will fit into the academic year and the state sports calendar in the upcoming weeks. For those already looking forward to the action, the Las Vegas Desert Dogs home games will be held at the Lee’s Family Forum in Henderson, featuring 18 thrilling matchups each season. Think about it—catching double the excitement with both home and away games!

As we gear up for this new chapter for high school athletics in Nevada, it’s time to get those sticks ready. Lacrosse is here to stay, and we can’t wait to see all the fun, teamwork, and competition that’s around the corner. This is not just about sports; it’s about building community, spirit, and creating unforgettable memories. Here’s to a bright and bold future for high school lacrosse in Nevada!

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