America's First Sport

Welcome to the RedHawks youth lacrosse website! As coaches, we are excited to share the rich history of this incredible sport with you; our players, family and friends. Lacrosse, also known as "The Creator's Game," and has a fascinating history that dates back centuries and was played long before the first Europeans landed on the shores of North America.
 

Originating from Native American tribes, lacrosse was played as a way to honor the Creator and settle disputes between tribes. It was more than just a game; it was a spiritual and cultural celebration and an integral part of the cultural identity of the various tribes who participated. The game was often played on large fields, stretching for miles, with hundreds of players on each team. 

The Iroquois People—also known as the Haudenosaunee—inhabited Eastern and Western New York State as well as Southern Ontario and Quebec Province in Canada. Also known as the Six Nations, the indigenous people of the region included the Mohawks, Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga and Seneca Nations. The Tuscarora People later settled in the region near Niagara Falls in Western New York. Lacrosse is still played among the various native Americans who occupy this region. They play a derivative version known as Box Lacrosse, which is similar in setup to modern hockey and played in an indoor arena on the various reservations. The Iroquois Nationals compete in international competition; which last year was hosted in San Diego. They placed third behind Canada and the United States. Several of the greatest players in the history of the game, such as Jeremy Thomas and Jim Thorpe hail from the Native American communities.
 

The Native American version of lacrosse was somewhat different from the modern game we know today. It was played with wooden sticks, made from hard hickory wood, and a ball made of deerskin. The rules varied among the tribes. However, the basic objective remained the same—to score goals by getting the ball into the opponent's net. That’s something that our RedHawks coaches emphasize each season with rigorous dodging and shooting drills to fine tune on field skills. On a well-trained youth team, the three attack players can account for as many as 70% of the goals; with highly skilled midfield players accounting for the rest. Contemporary Lacrosse today, including our RedHawks youth program, focuses on team play and working together as a cohesive unit. When in synch defensively and offensively, complimented by great goal tending and special team efforts, a youth Lacrosse team is truly a “thing of beauty” and fun to watch.
 

In the 1800s, European settlers were introduced to lacrosse and quickly became captivated by its fast-paced and dynamic nature. They adapted the game to fit their own preferences, using a rubber ball instead of a deerskin one and modifying the rules to create a more structured gameplay.
 

Over time, lacrosse gained popularity across North America and eventually spread to other parts of the world. It became an official sport in the Olympics in 1904 and 1908, showcasing its global appeal and recognition.
 

Today, lacrosse is played at various levels, from youth leagues to collegiate and professional teams. See our Lacrosse Resource section to learn more. It has evolved into a highly competitive sport, requiring speed, agility, and teamwork. Lacrosse has also become a means of building character, promoting sportsmanship, and fostering a sense of community among players.
 

As coaches for the RedHawks, we are dedicated to preserving the traditions of lacrosse while also embracing its modern advancements. We believe in teaching the fundamental skills, instilling a love for the game, and inspiring young athletes to reach their full potential.
 

Join us on this exciting journey this spring as we delve deeper into the world of lacrosse. Explore our website to learn more about our teams’ coaches, techniques, game strategies and resources. Whether you are a seasoned player or just getting started, we are here to support and guide you every step of the way.
 

Let's celebrate the history of lacrosse and continue to write its story together.

The RedHawks Coaching Staff