Lacrosse could become a VHSL sport in Williamsburg-James City County

More than 10 students and coaches told the WJCC school board they want lacrosse certified as a Virginia High School League sport; Superintendent Daniel Keever included a $225,000 lacrosse program in his proposed operating budget.

More than 10 students and coaches spoke at a Williamsburg-James City County School Board public hearing to request that lacrosse be certified as a Virginia High School League sport. Lacrosse currently exists in the division as club teams at Jamestown, Warhill and Lafayette high schools that play in the Hampton Roads Lacrosse League. Superintendent Daniel Keever included a lacrosse program in his proposed $203.4 million operating budget, with an estimated cost of $225,000 covering equipment, uniforms, coaching stipends, officials and VHSL fees. Speakers said VHSL certification would give athletes more recognition and increase college recruitment opportunities. Key details: - More than 10 students and coaches attended the public hearing in support of VHSL certification for lacrosse. - Keever's proposed operating budget includes a lacrosse program estimated at $225,000. - Club teams currently operate at Jamestown, Warhill and Lafayette high schools as part of the Hampton Roads Lacrosse League. - Students and club leaders, including Lafayette club president Jason Madzuma, have met with principals and staff to gather support. - School board members Daniel Cavazos and Michael Hosang expressed support, and athletes plan visits to James City County supervisors and Williamsburg City Council before the budget vote. Summary: Students, coaches and some school board members are seeking formal VHSL recognition for lacrosse in WJCC schools, and the superintendent has placed a proposed program and its cost in the draft budget. The next formal step is the division's budget process, with budget adoption scheduled for May and planned outreach to county supervisors and city council ahead of that vote.