Boys and Girls Lacrosse Continue to Grow

September 5, 2017 - The NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) released their annual participation statistics last month that shows that participation in High School sports has, for the twenty-eighth time, increased again. The report states that almost eight million students play on interscholastic athletic teams, which is up by about 95,000 players in the last year.

Lacrosse participation for both boys and girls continues to increase, with 111,842 boys and 93,473 girls playing in the 2016-17 season nationwide. Boys participation increased by two percent (148 teams and 2,320 players) in 2017 while girls increased by six percent (145 teams and 5,423 players).

New York State, which consistently leads the nation in lacrosse participation, shows 343 teams and 18,817 boys playing and 320 teams and 11.774 girls playing in 2017.

In popularity, girls lacrosse broke into the top ten (at #10) in the 2011 season and has remained there. Last season, boys lacrosse participation (111,842) continued to hold the 11th spot on the list behind swimming and diving (138,364).

Growth in boys participation has increased by over 93,000 players (over 500%) since 1990. Participation by girls has increased by 83,514 (838%) since 1992.