OMAHA – Lacrosse is on the rise in the Midwest, and Nebraska is making a push to become the next state to offer this exciting sport in high schools. With a recent survey from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) showing that 27 states currently offer boys lacrosse and 28 have girls lacrosse, local players and supporters are eager to see Nebraska join the ranks.
At just 15 years old, Brooke Hempel is already a well-experienced lacrosse player, having played for about five years. “I just kind of heard of it randomly and thought maybe I should try it,” she shared. “It’s really fun. It’s a good way to interact and try new things.” Though her school lacks a club team, Brooke is determined to help the sport grow, even considering playing lacrosse in college.
Leading the effort to establish lacrosse as a high school varsity sport in Nebraska is Mel Meier. She is deeply committed, stating, “It’s a 24/7 thing. Even if I’m not actively in meetings, I’m thinking about things. I probably send about at least 50 emails a week. I would say at least 10 hours a week, and sometimes over 40.”
The current goal is to get lacrosse recognized as an “emerging sport activity,” which would provide schools with a three-year period to assess interest in the game. Jeff Johnson, associate director of the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA), noted that this endeavor involves a lot of education and communication. The proposal must pass through four voting phases, and a ruling may not be reached until June, similar to the path that girls wrestling took to gain varsity status.
Players and parents are feeling hopeful about the initiative. “It gives students in high school just more opportunities to play another sport that’s different,” said Brian Hempel, Brooke’s father. “And it is growing. I think if it’s sanctioned, that exposure, their ability to come out and play grows tenfold.” Brooke adds, “For it to be an actually known sport—I didn’t know it until I was in seventh grade. So it’d be really fun to see it grow more.”
Importantly, athletic directors’ approval for lacrosse as an emerging sport does not compel schools to adopt it, but it allows other schools the chance to offer the sport. There is also a proposal on the table to permit student-athletes to participate in two sports in one season, which could further boost lacrosse’s growth if passed.
