Parents, players urge York County School Board to make lacrosse a VHSL varsity sport

Dozens of students, coaches and parents urged the York County School Board on Feb. 24 to add boys’ and girls’ lacrosse as VHSL-sanctioned varsity sports, saying long-running club programs have grown in participation, impose significant out-of-pocket costs on families and deny athletes access to school facilities and official recognitions.

Supporters told the board the sport already draws consistent interest across Tabb, Grafton and York high schools and that local clubs are prepared to help with startup costs. They asked the board to include lacrosse in the FY 2026 budget or identify a timeline for conversion to varsity status.

Mark Forrest, a parent from District 5 who said he led a funding proposal to the division in October 2024, said the clubs offered to offset startup costs. "Our most written proposal was put forward to YCSD administration October of 2024. This proposal included monetary and equipment contributions totaling approximately $60,000 to a team start up and offset costs to the school system," Forrest said. He added that the three high schools would have "approximately 150 students combined playing boys and girls club lacrosse" this spring.

Student and coach speakers described financial and competitive disadvantages of club status. Jillian Rice, a senior and captain of the Tabb girls’ lacrosse team, said club status forces players to pay league and USA Lacrosse fees and prevents athletes from receiving district and state honors. "Playing a sport for your high school should not cost this much money," Rice said, noting a Hampton Roads Lacrosse League registration fee of about $225 per player and additional club fees.

John Anderson, who identified himself as the York girls head coach, told the board that clubs are ready to provide uniforms, equipment and startup funds and that local and regional VHSL opponents exist. "Clubs will contribute significant start up funds, equipment, and uniforms to help defray the costs associated with the new sport," Anderson said.

Speakers said club status also limits access to school resources such as athletic trainers, weight rooms and indoor practice facilities, and makes players ineligible for honors including all-district, all-region and all-state recognition. Multiple speakers said the lack of VHSL status can also reduce college recruiting exposure and scholarship opportunities.

Board members acknowledged the comments and said they will consider the requests alongside budget constraints. Superintendent Christopher Shander (identified in the meeting transcript as Dr. Shander) presented a needs-based FY 2026 budget with a gap the district must close, and several board members noted budget timing will influence the ability to add new varsity programs.

Voices at the meeting urged a near-term path to varsity recognition. "Transitioning lacrosse to VHSL status would also have benefits in terms of accessibility and inclusivity as it would help reduce the cost barriers that often limit involvement," Rice said. Parents and former coaches who spoke asked the board to prioritize options that would remove the current financial barriers to participation.

The board did not take a vote on lacrosse at the meeting; the comments were part of the public comment period and budget hearing.

Ending: The division’s administration and school board will consider the speakers’ requests during budget discussions and future work sessions. Supporters asked the board to include lacrosse funding in the FY 2026 budget or to provide a timeline for adding varsity status so clubs and families can plan.