Lacrosse was not just a game; it was a means of training for battle. Some games were played to resolve disputes between tribes or as part of religious ceremonies, where warriors would use the sport to demonstrate strength, endurance, and teamwork.

1975 - Tina Sloan Green became the first black head coach of a women’s collegiate lacrosse team.

First Black Woman Collegiate Lacrosse Head Coach

 1970 - Morgan State University was the first HBCU to have a collegiate lacrosse team competing at the NCAA level.

First HBCU Lacrosse Team

1969 - Tina Sloan Green is known as the first black woman to play lacrosse for the U.S. Women’s lacrosse team.

First Black Woman Lacrosse Player for U.S Women’s Team

Lacrosse made its debut as an official Olympic sport at the 1904 Summer Olympics in St. Louis. Since then, it has appeared in the Olympics only four more times.

Olympic Debut

1900s

Today, lacrosse has shifted from its Indigenous origins into a sport predominantly played by white athletes, particularly at the collegiate and professional levels. This demographic shift stems from enduring historical, socio-economic, and institutional factors that reinforce systemic inequalities, including colonial appropriation and exclusion, financial and accessibility barriers, underrepresentation, and institutional gatekeeping.

In 2004 - Maryland named Lacrosse to be the official team sport of the state

In 2021-2022 Howard University became the first HBCU to have a NCAA Division 1 Women’s Lacrosse Team

Lacrosse is expected to make an appearance in the 2028 Olympics

Modern Day Lacrosse

By the late 1800s, lacrosse was officially recognized as Canada's national sport, a symbol of both cultural pride and the country's colonial history. It was played at the highest levels in Canada, and early competitions were often between Indigenous and non-Indigenous teams.

In 1888 - Albert Frederick Lewis was documented to be the first black lacrosse player. He played goalie (In my opinion, the hardest position to play).

In 1850, Dr. William George Beers, a Canadian dentist, formed the Montreal Lacrosse Club and codified the rules of the game, laying the foundation for modern lacrosse. He also helped introduce the game to the wider world.

Lacrosse Becomes a National Sport in Canada  First Black Lacrosse Player

Late 1800s

In the early 19th century, Indigenous children were forced to attend government-funded boarding schools where they were beaten, starved, abused and striped of their culture (sound familiar), including playing lacrosse. 

European settlers began to adopt lacrosse. The game was initially played for recreational purposes but was soon recognized for its entertainment value and competitive nature. 

In 1850, Dr. William George Beers, a Canadian dentist, formed the Montreal Lacrosse Club and codified the rules of the game, laying the foundation for modern lacrosse. He also helped introduce the game to the wider world.

Introduction to European Settlers

Early 1800s

Role in Tribal Warfare, Rituals

Late 1600s

A French explorer observed the game being played and referred to it as “la crosse” after the French term for a bishop’s crozier, which resembled the shape of the sticks.

European Contact

Early 1600s

Lacrosse originated with the Indigenous people of North America.
The modern form of lacrosse that is played today came from the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Omàmiwinini (Algonquian) nations.
The game was known by various names by many indigenous tribes:
 - The Ojibwe (one of the Algonquian tribes) refer to lacrosse as “baaga’adowewin” which means to strike something repeatedly. 
 - The Mohawk (one of the Haundenosaunee tribes) refer to lacrosse as Tewaarathon, which means “they bump hips”. 

The game served spiritual, medicinal, social and political purposes.

Origins Among Indigenous Peoples

Pre 1600s