Iowa’s youth lacrosse clubs gathered on June 1 & 2 for the 2024 Iowa Youth State Championships presented by the Iowa Lacrosse Association. Champions were crowned in 5 age divisions.
10U Boys – Waukee
12U Boys – Ankeny
14U Boys – Kingfisher (CR-IC)
10U Girls – Kingfisher
12U Girls – Meskwaki
Youth All Stars were selected for the Spring 2024 season.
Each team participating in youth play during the Spring 2024 season designated three players from their teams as 2024 All Stars. These individuals are role models, come ready to learn, possess positive attitudes, and show respect for coaches, players, officials, and the game of lacrosse while also being outstanding lacrosse players.
The complete list of All Stars is available here. They were recognized on the field on June 1 at the Youth State Championships.
We absolutely must develop additional officials (boys/girls). In particular, prospects in CR-IC, the Quad Cities, Dubuque, and Tama/Meskwaki, but even in the greater Des Moines region - we can't continue growing local game play opportunities without more officials. We may be fast reaching a point where we will have to turn kids away because we can't guarantee games for them to play. We don't want that and I suspect you don't either.
Help us by taking some on-line courses this winter. That's how you start -- watching videos to learn about the details of the game. If that builds your interest, then we can discuss next steps. But, we need people to step forward and start the process. Reach out with questions.
This opportunity is open to our High School players too! Email iowalacrossassc@gmail.com to get started.
Three high school championships were won by ILAX member clubs this spring! ILAX does not sponsor high school play, but does facilitate play at the high school level among its member clubs.
Girls – the West Des Moines Tiger girls won the Midwest Girls Lacrosse League.
Boys – the Waukee Warriors won the NELAX League.
Boys – the Kingfisher Club won the Eastern Iowa Lacrosse Conference.
As we look ahead to the 2024-25 season, take a moment to review highlights from last year in the 2024 Annual Report
Why should your son or daughter play lacrosse?
The simple answer is: It’s fun and its something new to try!
The benefits of being a multi-sport athlete are well known, but it can be hard to pull away from a sport for fear of falling behind or missing out. As the Great One notes below, you won’t fall behind – in fact, playing lacrosse makes you a better hockey player. For example, the similarities between lacrosse and hockey are eery. Don’t take our word for it, a quick google will find page after page of lacrosse and hockey coaches and former NHL players passing on how lacrosse helped them become better hockey players and vice versa.
It’s not just hockey though. Football players can benefit from reinforcing footwork, agility, spacing, field awareness and more. More on that in a post to come!
Here’s some things to think about, play lacrosse this spring and here’s what you can learn!
Why hockey players should play lacrosse from Honest Engine Films on Vimeo.
As is the case across the country, boys and girls in Iowa are discovering the exciting sport of lacrosse. If you are interested in trying lacrosse, or have played in the past and are looking for a new lacrosse home, there are several clubs in the state with youth programs. More information about those clubs is available here.
During its annual meeting on July 10, the ILAX Board of Directors elected the following officers for the upcoming year:
President – Jeff Kueter, Iowa City
Vice President – Britt Mitchell, Meskwaki
Secretary – Chad Gano, Waukee
Treasurer – Emily Shinkle, Ames
In addition to these officers, individuals were elected to serve on the Board. Visit the Board page for more details.
The ILAX Board recently established a statement that makes clear the importance of inclusion and the value of diversity within the Association and member youth organizations. ILAX encourages members to define diversity as an organizational priority along with expectations of inclusion and equity within their programs. The statement reads:
“The Iowa Lacrosse Association and its member clubs believe in and are committed to diversity, inclusion and gender equity among its players, coaches and volunteers. We want to establish and maintain an inclusive culture that fosters equitable participation and improves the learning environment for players and positive experiences for coaches and volunteers from diverse backgrounds.”
PROMOTION – EDUCATION – COMMUNICATION – COMPETITION – SPORTSMANSHIP
ILAX is helping you grow the game!
