OMAHA – Lacrosse, known as the fastest sport on two feet, is gaining popularity across the Midwest and there is a dedicated push to make it a recognized high school sport in Nebraska. According to a recent survey, 27 states now have boys lacrosse, while 28 states offer girls lacrosse as a part of their high school athletics. The enthusiasm for the sport is growing, and many players are eager to see it developed locally.
One young athlete, 15-year-old Brooke Hempel, has been playing lacrosse for around five years. “I just kind of heard of it randomly and I thought maybe I should try it,” she said. “It’s really fun. It’s a good way to interact and try new things.” Since her school does not have a lacrosse program, she plays for a different team instead. Brooke has even considered playing the sport in college, highlighting her passion and dedication.
Leading the initiative to promote lacrosse in Nebraska is Mel Meier. “It’s a 24/7 thing,” Meier remarked, expressing her commitment to the cause. “I probably send at least 50 emails a week. I would say at least 10 hours a week, and sometimes over 40.” The current goal is to have lacrosse recognized as an ‘emerging sport activity’, which would allow schools a three-year window to assess interest in the sport.
Jeff Johnson, an associate director with the NSAA, explained that the process involves education and awareness about how lacrosse operates. The proposal will have to go through four levels of voting, with a final decision expected around June. Girls wrestling underwent a similar process in gaining varsity status, setting a precedent for this initiative.
There is optimism among players and parents about the potential growth of the sport. “It gives the students in high school just more opportunities to play another sport that’s different,” said Brian Hempel, Brooke’s father. “And it is growing. I think if it’s sanctioned, that exposure and their ability to come out and play grows tenfold.”
Brooke echoed these sentiments, saying, “It’d be really fun to see it grow more.” An important aspect of the upcoming vote is that if athletic directors approve lacrosse as an emerging sport, schools do not have to adopt it immediately, but it would open the door for others to offer it. In addition, there is also a proposal being discussed that would allow student-athletes to participate in two sports during the same season, which could further support the growth of lacrosse if approved.
