Writer / Beth Lawrence
Photography Provided by Mudsock Youth Athletics
While most of us didn’t grow up watching lacrosse, it’s now the fastest-growing sport in the country and this month, it’s descending upon Fishers in a big way.
Mudsock Girls and Boys Lacrosse will co-host the Indiana Youth Lacrosse Association State Tournament for the first time together on May 22 and 23. Athletes in 5th through 8th grade will flock to Cyntheanne Park from cities across the state. Tournament play will begin on all five fields by 9 a.m. with championship games kicking off in the late afternoon. The IYLA Girl’s Tournament has been held in Fishers for the past three years and the association awarded the boys league the tournament to join them for the 2021 season.
“We always get compliments from other teams over how nice of a facility we have in Fishers,” says Mudsock Girls Lacrosse President, Marsha Lee. “Having both the girls’ and boys’ partner together gives our leagues the opportunity to showcase ourselves and our great city.”
Consistent with the community-based approach offered by all Mudsock Youth Athletics leagues, the lacrosse board positions are filled by volunteer groups who will also oversee all tournament logistics.
“I got involved with Mudsock Boys Lacrosse three years ago as my son started in the program,” says Mudsock Boys Lacrosse President, Sean Downey. “My first experience coaching was at the 10U age group and I was able to translate my experience coaching youth baseball and basketball into coaching lacrosse. As a parent who never picked up a lacrosse stick as a kid, I would tell other parents in the same situation to give lacrosse a try with your child. It is a very exciting sport with many different positions that can fit your child’s skill level.”
For Lee, it’s a family affair too. Her husband has coached for three years and she joined the board at the same time, serving as president for the past two years.
“I became president because I think it is important for girls to see women in leadership roles, especially in girls’ sports,” Lee says.
Athletes who play softball, baseball, basketball, hockey, or football have already developed skills that translate well into lacrosse, but anyone can pick up the sport for the first time, including older athletes.
“My daughter went to a free Try-It Day hosted by Mudsock Girl’s Lacrosse when she was in 4th grade,” Lee adds. “Immediately after the Try-It event, we signed her up for the season and went straight to Play It Again Sports to buy her a lacrosse stick and goggles.”
While all safety protocols must be followed, the public is invited to attend the IYLA Tournament, and a small gate fee will be charged to enter. Fishers’ residents can attend for free.
Registration (K-8th grade) for the spring lacrosse season takes place in January 2022 and the leagues will host a Try-It Day for all age groups this upcoming fall at Brooks School Park. Visit myathletics.com for more information about the leagues and tournament.
