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Students, coaches and families urge board to retain 'Hanley' name and sanction lacrosse
Summary
More than a dozen speakers, including students and coaches, told the Winchester Public School Board during public comment that Hanley lacrosse is an established, largely self-funded program that should keep its name and be adopted as a sanctioned school sport.
Dozens of students, coaches and parents urged the Winchester Public School Board on June 23 to preserve the Hanley name for the city’s lacrosse program and to adopt lacrosse as a sanctioned school sport in the division.
Speakers at the public comment portion said the Hanley program—largely funded by families and community fundraising—provides students with structure, community and college opportunities. "Lacrosse is a big reason why I'm in Shenandoah right now doing what I love," said Hudson Phillips, a rising junior and former John Hanley player, adding that he recently earned a 3.75 semester GPA and credited the program for helping him succeed. "If the name and image and likeness of Hanley is removed from this program, a lot of those opportunities ... won't be given to these kids," Phillips said.
The group described a long-standing, competitive program that draws students across Winchester and neighboring areas. Garrett Watkins, who identified himself as head coach for SVYL's Hanley-affiliated high school program, told the board that lacrosse teaches "grit, determination, discipline" and that many students who otherwise lack access to school sports find a place in the club. Several younger speakers, including Amelia Cooper and Samantha Enloe, described personal development and college aspirations tied to the team.
Supporters emphasized that the team funds equipment and travel through fundraising and that school contributions are minimal. "We fund ourselves," several speakers said; one coach told the board that the program could be adopted into the school system with no immediate financial burden and with backing from SVYL (Shenandoah Valley Youth Lacrosse).
Board members did not respond in detail during the public comment period, following the board’s announced procedure that members generally do not reply during public comment. No motion to change team names or to formally sanction lacrosse appeared on the June 23 agenda; public comments about Hanley lacrosse were delivered during the public comment segment and will be part of the record for any future agenda items.
The public comment period included about 30 minutes of remarks on this topic; several speakers handed written materials to the board for review after the meeting and asked the board to consider formal adoption so students can gain the visibility and recruiting exposure that a sanctioned high school sport can provide.
Board staff and members who handled later agenda items acknowledged the comments but did not announce next steps on this topic at the meeting. The record is limited to speaker statements delivered during public comment; the board has not taken formal action on team names or on making lacrosse a sanctioned sport as of the June 23 meeting.
