CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (ESPN CLARKSVILLE) – The Clarksville Lacrosse Club (CLC) is celebrating a groundbreaking decision by the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) to offer boys’ and girls’ lacrosse under its banner beginning in the 2021-2022 academic year.
Currently, lacrosse is not sanctioned in public schools in Tennessee. Instead, Club programs such as the CLC operate under the governance of the Tennessee Scholastic Lacrosse Association (TSLA.) With this December vote, Tennessee became the 25th state to sanction lacrosse.
“Sanctioning will help lacrosse grow rapidly throughout the state. We’re looking forward to the prospect of competing for a championship title under the TSSAA and the legitimacy it will bring to the sport here,” CLC Head Coach Bradley Wallace said.
Photos courtesy of CLC
In addition to recognition on high school campuses throughout the state, sanctioning means priority field space, funding and scheduling for the sport. Each Tennessee school system will have the option to offer lacrosse starting in the 2022 spring season.
Wallace said lacrosse is the fastest-growing team sport in the nation, and also the oldest, with roots in Native American battle culture.
“It’s a goal-oriented sport that combines the physicality of hockey, the endurance and footwork of soccer, the athleticism and strategy of basketball and then tacks on an additional tool in the stick, bringing another level of excitement to the field,” Wallace said. “It stems from an incredible and sacred tradition and the players have the honor of carrying that on.”
The Clarksville Lacrosse Club offers year-round coaching, development and competition for boys and girls of all levels and ages, regardless of school affiliation. For more information, email CLC at ckl.comms@gmail.com.