This article appears in the July/August edition of US Lacrosse Magazine, a digital-only publication available exclusively to US Lacrosse members. Join or renew today for access to this 96-page edition, which includes immersive and interactive features as well as video tips from professional players. Thank you for your support!
As much as social media and sharing stories have helped advance the cause of ending racial injustice, the call for action has never been stronger.
During each interview we’ve conducted for this piece (“Silent No More: A Racial Awakening in the Lacrosse Community“) and others, we asked members of the lacrosse community what we can do to move our sport forward. Here are some of the top responses.
1. Don’t stay silent.
“If you’re around a bunch of white people and something goes down, be the one to step up even if no one is around. Who you are is what you do when no one is around.” — Pat Young, Atlas LC
“Don’t let the fear of not knowing what to say or how to handle it discourage you from speaking about it. Dive in and learn. Get uncomfortable. That’s how you grow.” – Scott Ratliff, Archers LC
“It’s like when you’re practicing a sport. If you’re not practicing, you’re getting worse and everyone around you is getting better. There’s no absolute right way to practice, but as long as you’re doing something, you’re going to get a little bit better every day.” – Austin Sims, Archers LC
2. Communicate.
”Trevor’s post was so impactful because he highlighted something that happens to every black lacrosse player. Every black player will tell you that they’ve heard it. A basic conversation with your black teammate and trying to get an understanding of why that’s not OK on any level, that’s a start.” – Kyle Harrison, Redwoods LC
“It all starts with conversation, expressing truly the way we feel with the goal being to try to understand the other person’s point of view. People willing to have this conversation must understand that candor is necessary, and comfort is secondary.” — Miles Harrison, Kyle’s father
3. Make room.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about how we need more women of color playing lacrosse. I think it’s really important that we make this game more accessible and particularly for women. In general for lacrosse, but in particular, for women.” — Kayla Treanor, Team USA
“Do the extra work to create opportunities for players and coaches of color to not only become part of the lacrosse community but stay in the lacrosse community.” — Lauren Davenport, US Lacrosse
“Please continue to share our voices and our stories, but make sure you advocate for us to be in every room and a part of every decision.” — Eboni Preston Laurent, US Lacrosse
4. Empathize.
“Everyone wants world peace, but what are we going to do to get there? Until we as a society can have empathy for each other and not jump down people’s throats for sharing their thoughts. It’s difficult to speak out to these things, but being able to understand and listen before forming an opinion could go a long way in changing this sport.” — Kris Alleyne, Connecticut Hammerheads