Good morning. Here’s the latest from around the lacrosse world:
1. Lacrosse remains one of the fastest growing sports at the college level, according to NCAA sports sponsorship and participation research. Of note, among women’s sports, lacrosse has experienced the largest 10-year net gain, with 200 more schools (30 at the Division I level) competing in 2019 than in 2009.
Among NCAA women's sports, the largest 10-year net gain in teams participating has been in Lacrosse (+200 squads). Track & Field, Golf also with big increases.#ncaaLAX #ncaaTF pic.twitter.com/5AErnFDT4k
— NCAA Research (@NCAAResearch) November 29, 2019
The largest net gains in Division I sports sponsorship over the past decade have been in beach volleyball (+60 teams), women's track/field (+33) and women's lacrosse (+30).
— NCAA Research (@NCAAResearch) December 2, 2019
More data https://t.co/grNA0aLt8Z. pic.twitter.com/JtNxRbLApW
2. Spring Premiere, the annual US Lacrosse event featuring the U.S. national teams, will bring the program to Texas for the first time in history Jan. 4-5. The U.S. senior and U19 men’s teams will play four games in San Antonio, with both competing against the Japanese national team.
3. The first dedicated lacrosse field in the Middle East will be built as part of a national training center for the sport in Ashkelon, a coastal Mediterranean city in Israel.
The first dedicated lacrosse field in the Middle East will be built as part of a national training center for the sport in Ashkelon, a coastal Mediterranean city in Israel’s south.
— Front Office Sports (@frntofficesport) December 2, 2019
Israel’s women’s team are ranked #6 in the world, and the men are ranked #7. pic.twitter.com/NefXiG4FBx
4. NLL Week 1 is in the books. A contentious opener between Calgary and Vancouver set the stage for what should be one of the most exciting seasons in league history, thanks to expansion and realignment.
WHAT WE’RE READING
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Our December edition cover story on how pro lacrosse took over the narrative surrounding our sport in 2019.
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The Cornfield Classic: A window into the Syracuse region’s love of the game.
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College Crosse previews of LIU and Georgetown’s 2020 schedules, including the former’s first foray into Division I lacrosse and the latter’s first game against North Carolina since 1956.
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How wearable technology is changing the study of sports injuries.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING
Episode 1 of the PLL’s newest YouTube series, “Breaking Barriers,” chronicling the pros’ adventures in Japan and capturing the enthusiasm for the sport on the other side of the world.
Kyle Harrison. Playing goalie. In a Santa suit. Making a split kick save.
The Brown men’s lacrosse team turning tables into snow plows.
Everything is coming up Penn State. Pat Freiermuth, the tight end who announced he would return to the Nittany Lions football team in 2020, helped former Penn State men’s lacrosse player John Von Nessen propose to his girlfriend.
SHE SAID YES! - Pat Freiermuth (@pat_fry5) helps former Penn State lacrosse player John Von Messen propose to his girlfriend Lauren Piotrowski! #WeAre pic.twitter.com/xRRYVEDndd
— Hannah Mears (@hanmears_) November 30, 2019
WHAT’S ON TAP
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A recap of the #BestOfLax popular vote.
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Jack Goods’ season forecast for the now 1-0 Georgia Swarm.