The Wentzville Lacrosse Club boys’ 2021-22 season is officially underway. The ongoing indoor Fall Ball program commenced on Monday, Sept. 27, and will continue for the next seven Mondays until Nov. 22.

The boys’ lacrosse team is coming off of a winning season last year, where they made it to the Division 2 quarterfinals in the state tournament. In 2019 the squad reached the Division 2 semifinals; there was no season in 2020. They have made it to the Final Four not just in 2019, but also in 2012, 2013, and 2015.

Their programs this year includes the Fall Ball (September to November), Stick & Ball Clinic (November), and Captain’s practices (December to February), all leading up to the regular season (February to May.)

The lacrosse club offers both a varsity and junior varsity team and runs as a spring sport with additional playing opportunities in the summer and fall. The state tournament takes place at the end of the season.

There are currently around 40 players on the boys’ team. Last season they had a total of 10 players get into the all-conference and all-state teams.

The Wentzville Girls’ Lacrosse team also supports varsity and junior varsity teams. They allow girls from any school district to join. Similar to the boys’ team, a middle school squad is incorporated as well. For both teams, previous experience is not necessary and all skill levels are welcome.

Liberty junior and girls’ lacrosse player Cara Turner has been a member of the club since spring 2020.

“Personally, I’m expecting everyone to come back better than before,” Turner said regarding her season expectations. “We’ve all been joining clubs and practices during the off-season to keep our [lacrosse] IQ up. I’m also expecting some new girls to join which will be exciting.”

When asked what she most enjoys about being in the team, she noted, “I really love the friendships that I’ve made while playing with these girls. They are all so kind and encouraging. I also really like how the coaches do their job, it makes for a really fun atmosphere.”

Lacrosse as a sport has seen explosive growth in the past decade, especially with high schools. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, the total number of active lacrosse players was more than 2.1 million in 2019 and 2.2% of core lacrosse participants were between the ages of 13 and 17. 

A report by the NCAA in 2018 stated that lacrosse is the fastest-growing collegiate sport over the past 15 years. During those 15 years, the number of women’s lacrosse teams saw an increase of 97%, with men’s lacrosse teams rising by 61%. Clearly, lacrosse has boomed in popularity with today’s youth.

You can find more information about the Wentzville Lacrosse program at wentzvillelax.com for the boys’ team and wentzvillegirlslacrosse.com for the girls’ team.

Lacrosse is the fastest-growing high school sport in the nation, but what you do not know about the game may surprise you.

“If you really want to play, just go for it,” junior Cara Turner said.

Girls lacrosse is a non-contact game played by 12 players: a goalkeeper, five attackers, and six defenders. The main goal is to shoot it into the net and the highest score wins. To start the game, two players from opposite teams take the draw and after that, it’s time to give it your all.

When you put enough time and energy into this sport, you could even eventually make it to a collegiate level. Liberty alumni Kelsey Corcoran explains striving to play in college means, “Joining a select team, not being afraid to email college coaches frequently, and leaving everything on the field.” Corcoran now plays at Missouri Western State University as an attacker.

When asking many players about their love for the game, they said it’s not only about the game but also about the friendships you make.

It is never too late to start. Wentzville Girls Lacrosse takes any girl who has the motivation to play, no experience needed. Because WGLAX is a club team, any girl from any school or district is welcome to play on this team, as long as their school does not have a sanctioned girls lacrosse team.

Wentzville Girls Lacrosse coaches are dedicated to knowing you for more than just your number on the field. They provide a safe and loving style of coaching balancing wanting to make connections and getting to know you, but also knowing when to get to work and make the team strive.

For those who are thinking about playing, sophomore Layla Olsen says, “Don’t be scared to start because there are always others who are completely new to the game as well, no matter what age.”

The season starts in spring and goes through the rest of the school year. It is a great opportunity to make friends, work hard, and play lacrosse.

You can find more information about the Wentzville Lacrosse program at wentzvillelax.com for the boys’ team and wentzvillegirlslacrosse.com for the girls’ team.