Five Things You Didn't Know About Women's Lacrosse

Apr 4, 2023

No college sport is growing faster than women’s lacrosse.

Promoted as the fastest game on two feet, coupled with its nature to include aspects of other sports, there’s no wonder why its fan base is growing. Lacrosse moves at the pace of basketball, has the skillful stick wielding of hockey, and while the field reminds you of the soccer pitch, the padding and face masks remind fans of football. It’s all your favorite sports wrapped into one.

Xavier’s inaugural women’s lacrosse 2023-23 season is underway with similar excitement. Ahead of the team’s next game on Saturday, April 8, against Marquette check out five things you may not know about women’s lacrosse from Xavier’s women’s lacrosse team.

1. Native Americans invented lacrosse.

Originally known as stickball, lacrosse was first played by Native Americans. The sport was used to keep warriors fit, settle disputes, and bring life and joy to communities.

 

2. Lacrosse is a thinking sport.

Lacrosse is a physically demanding sport, but its most successful players are savvy and clever as well. They can see a situation and create new opportunities out of it. It's also a sport that's evolving.

 

3. Women’s lacrosse is very different from men’s lacrosse.

Men’s and women’s lacrosse have a lot in common. Both are fast paced and rely on exceptional coordination. The main objective is the same — to get the ball in the net — but there are significant differences between the two sports. For example, men’s lacrosse is a full-contact and shot-blocking game, while women’s lacrosse prohibits both full contact and shot blocking that results in a penalty. Similarly, the men’s game features 10 players on a smaller field, while the women’s game has 12 on a larger field.

 

4. Women’s lacrosse will likely be an Olympic sport in 2028.

Lacrosse is currently one of nine sports that have been invited to present a case for inclusion at the Olympics in 2028 in Los Angeles. Previously, Lacrosse was played in the Olympics in 1904 and 1908. It went through a series of Olympic sport demonstrations in 1928, 1932 and later in 1948. In 2021, The International Olympic Committee granted it full recognition so it could become an Olympic sport.

 

5. Any type of athlete can play it.

Anyone can play lacrosse — big, small, quick twitch or slow twitch. No matter what type of athlete you are, there’s a position on the lacrosse field for you. Since the sport is a combination of basketball, soccer and hockey, any player that fits one of those sports profiles can play.

 

Curious to learn more, check out five more things about women’s lacrosse.