Growing Girls Lacrosse In Southlake
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On this hot day in August, Carroll senior Madelyn Murphy is preparing for her final year of high school lacrosse. Taking a break from “wall ball” (drills designed to improve stick skills), Murphy reflects, “It is hard to believe how fast it goes. This is our third fall season at SGLA, and it seems like yesterday that my teammates and I made the decision to start this program for the girls of Southlake.”
SGLA is the Southlake Girls Lacrosse Association, a community-based association formed to serve and develop female lacrosse players of all ages and skill levels in Southlake. SGLA is dedicated strictly to girls and was started by over 100 families and volunteers two years ago.
Last February, SGLA was named the city of Southlake’s only approved partner for girls’ lacrosse in the community.
“We have accomplished a lot in two years. Our teams have been very competitive, and we have players who are playing or will play high-level lacrosse in college. More importantly, we just have a great group of friends trying to build the best culture for the girls in the sport. But as for me right now, I am just excited about competing, especially in the new fall league.”
The new league Murphy references is Just Play, the first-ever 7-on-7 outdoor girls lacrosse league in North Texas. Just Play will launch in September and is open to all ages and communities.
“Just Play is a new and unique opportunity to grow the game on a truly recreational basis in Texas. The whole idea is very simple – have fun and just play,” explains Grapevine’s Bob McGregor, President of Just Play.
SGLA is excited about the new format. Ayn Laherty, SGLA Communications Director, explains, “It welcomes more girls, gives everyone a chance to be on a team and grows the sport by making it all about the game and the players. Ultimately, it is all about fun and playing. SGLA wants to do all we can to provide a great experience for our girls. That is what SGLA has always been about, and the Just Play league certainly provides a fun addition to our fall season experience.”
For more info on Just Play, please contact info@justplaylax.org. For more info on SGLA, please contact info@southlakegirlslacrosse.org
