COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — On Friday, World Lacrosse welcomed the U.S. Virgin Islands Lacrosse Association (USVILA) as its newest-member National Governing Body and 68th overall for the rapidly growing international federation representing women’s and men’s lacrosse.

In the last 12 months alone (December 2019 - November 2020), World Lacrosse has welcomed five new member-NGBs, reflecting the continued rise in participation and popularity of lacrosse around the world. Those new members are:

• U.S. Virgin Islands Lacrosse Association – November 2020

• Dominican Republic Lacrosse – August 2020

• Panama Lacrosse Association – April 2020

• Barbados Lacrosse Association – December 2019

• Lithuania Lacrosse – December 2019

The membership application for the USVILA was approved by vote of the World Lacrosse membership, following unanimous recommendations from the World Lacrosse Development Committee and Board of Directors. The President of the USVILA is Leslie Highfield Carter and the NGB is being recognized as an Associate Member.

“With lacrosse activity in schools dating back nearly 30 years on the island of St. Croix and 15 years on St. Thomas, there is a bright future ahead for the U.S. Virgin Islands Lacrosse Association.” said Bob DeMarco, World Lacrosse Director of Development.

“We are very excited about growing the sport of lacrosse in the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Carter. “We have a lot of very talented local athletes who will benefit from the opportunities lacrosse has to offer. As we grow the game here in the territory, we envision our athletes making an important contribution to lacrosse globally. We’re looking to build a mutually beneficial relationship. This is going to be great fun for everyone involved.”

The USVILA is the 19th World Lacrosse member-NGB from the Pan-American Region, which is among the fastest-growing regions of the world with respect to interest and participation in lacrosse.