Digital Edition

“Clip that ponytail!”

“Scalp him!”

Lyle Thompson had heard these taunts before. But on Jan. 12, when a Philadelphia Wings public address announcer and a couple of unruly fans affronted the Georgia Swarm forward, for the first time it moved him to tears.

And to speak out on social media.

Thompson’s remarks drew national attention and sparked dialogue among indigenous people who feel increasingly marginalized by the current political winds. Even in lacrosse, a sport that owes its origins to tribes of the Eastern Woodlands and Great Plains, such racism exists.

US Lacrosse Magazine asked a dozen Native American lacrosse players — past and present, starting with Thompson — to share their stories in their words. These stories appear in the April edition. Here’s a look at what else you’ll find inside.

ON THE COVER
Photo by Casey Brooke

Isaiah Skidders of the Mohawk reservation is a senior at IMG Academy in Florida and will attend Albany.

UP FRONT

 

From the CEO: The Harmony of Sport
By Steve Stenersen

The pages of this month’s issue offer a number of wonderful examples of the unifying power of lacrosse.

From the Editor: Indigenous and Endangered
By Matt DaSilva

“You guys study Native American culture, right?” I asked. The teacher winced. “They removed it from the curriculum

From the Field
By Alexis Heath

The Center for Sport Science at US Lacrosse is a national hub for the study and improvement of safety and performance in lacrosse.

 

TRENDING
5 Hot Topics, Buzz Worthy

Pat Spencer takes flight, the wave that polarized a community, coaching milestones, equal coverage and the Splash Brothers.

 

FUEL
Motivation, Inspiration, Growth, Impact

 

Lasting Impression
By Megan Miller

TryLax. You’ll love it.

Life After Lax: Stick to Cake
By Matt Hamilton

Food Network personality Duff Goldman played club ball at UMBC

Here We Go Again
By Justin Feil

New NCAA recruiting proposal threatens to preempt popular lacrosse legislation passed just two years ago

FEATURES

Call Me Ironman
By Megan Miller

Heart surgery didn’t derail the dreams of U.S. U19 training team goalie Madison Doucette.

What It Means
As told to Matt Hamilton and Matt DaSilva

Lyle Thompson: My Hair is Who I Am

Shayla Scanlan: Don’t Call Me Pocahontas

Isaiah Skidders: Who I Play For

Ivy Santana: The Right Path

Alie and Ryan Jimerson: Finding Acceptance

Justin Giles: Stick and Ball Game

Bill O’Brien: Question of Identity

Jade Haumann: Passion over Perception

Ron Patterson: A Stick Maker’s Perspective

Jacelyn and Mimi Lazore: Sisters Stick Together

Strength of the Herd
By Justin Feil

Tragedy nearly struck twice in Boulder, where Julia Sarcona’s memory and Aine Williams’ survival have inspired the upstart Colorado women’s lacrosse team.

The Prowling Panthers
By Gary Lambrecht

How to explain High Points rapid rise from curious upstart to giant killer.

LOCALLY GROWN
US Lacrosse stories in your backyard

 

NORTHEAST
Regional Manager: Ryan Larkum

 

Ellenville’s First Sticks
By Paul Ohanian

A diverse community in New York’s Hudson Valley finds opportunity in lacrosse.

Mission Impact: Massachusetts

How US Lacrosse members and donors have fueled the sport’s growth in the Bay State.

 

WESTERN MID-ATLANTIC
Regional Manager: Mark Eissele

 

Getting Their Money’s Worth
By Brian Logue

How a Central PA club borne out of. Necessity is thriving with athlete development.

Mission Impact: Chesapeake

How US Lacrosse members and donors have fueled the sport’s growth in and around Annapolis, Md.

 

EASTERN MID-ATLANTIC
Regional Manager: Andi O’Connor

 

Good Call
By Paul Krome

Current collegiate officials highlight the success of Delaware’s growing junior training program.

Mission Impact: New Jersey South

How US Lacrosse members and donors have fueled the sport’s growth in the southern half of the Garden State.

 

SOUTHEAST
Regional Manager: Lou Corsetti

 

Homework, Snacks and Lacrosse
By Mark Macyk

Cusabo Scholars program provides Charleston’s low-income students with the complete student-athlete experience.

Mission Impact: Georgia

How US Lacrosse members and donors have fueled the sport’s growth in the Peach State.

 

MIDWEST
Regional Manager: Bryce Woodson

 

Putting the Big Mo in the Motor City
By Paul Krome

Newborn Detroit Youth Lacrosse aims to educate, support city’s youth through expanded sport offerings.

Mission Impact: Illinois

How US Lacrosse members and donors have fueled the sport’s growth in Chicagoland and beyond.

 

SOUTHWEST
Regional Manager: Zack Matthews

 

One Town, One Team
By Paul Ohanian

Oxford Lacrosse Club, Regents School and civic groups centralize the sport in Northern Mississippi.

Mission Impact: North Texas

How US Lacrosse members and donors have fueled the sport’s growth in the Dallas area and beyond.

 

PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Regional Manager: Lyn Porterfield

 

He Doesn’t Need to See to Believe
By Mark Macyk

Legally blind, US Lacrosse-certified coach Keith Edgerton never took his eye off the ball.

Mission Impact: Northern California

How US Lacrosse members and donors have fueled the sport’s growth in NorCal.

 

PACIFIC SOUTHWEST
Regional Manager: Judson Stone

 

‘We’re Open to Everyone’
By Paul Ohanian

719 Lacrosse brings the adaptive movement to Colorado Springs.

Mission Impact: Colorado

How US Lacrosse members and donors have fueled the sport’s growth in the Centennial State.

USA INSIDER
Access, Insights, Tips, Personalities

Tumi Time
By Matt DaSilva

How to trick out your game like Team USA’s Michelle Tumolo.

Close the Gate
By Matt DaSilva

U.S. hopeful Matt Dunn keeps X dodgers at bay.

Join the Team USA Pipeline
By Brian Logue

US Lacrosse unveils National Team Development Program.

CALENDAR
Go, Watch, Listen, Download, Follow

Wilmington (Del.) Lacrosse Community Day at 76ers Fieldhouse, the Fallen Heroes Classic at Tierney Field and an Ivy League showdown between Princeton and Penn.

GIVE & GO

Ally Kennedy
Interview by Megan Miller

The Stony Brook All-American and U.S. women’s team hopeful has eyes for Captain America.