Girls Youth History

The state’s first middle school girls’ youth lacrosse program started in 2002 in Portland, originating at West Sylvan Middle School. That year, the first 26 players had only themselves to scrimmage against; the only official games that they played that year occurred at a Seattle-area tournament over one weekend. After word of mouth that a middle school girl’s league had started, a hunt for willing coaches and recruiting of middle school girls to try the sport, the league expanded the next year (2003) to seven middle schools participating and nine teams. In 2004, sixteen middle schools were represented and 14 teams made up the league. The middle school girl’s lacrosse league is pleased to have many players that now have three years-plus experience before they move on to high school, and has placed several players into high school varsity programs their freshman year.

The middle school league plays according to US Lacrosse Association youth rules: no stick checking, mandatory eye gear, and “B” level rules.

There is an annual Honors Team game, normally held at the Girl’s High School Lacrosse State Championship half-time, in which the league’s best players (as determined by their teams, and based on leadership, game skills and commitment to the game of lacrosse) participate in a full-field exhibition game.