Rochester Century High School Athletics

A Quick Look at the Origins of Women's Lacrosse 

Did you know lacrosse is one of the oldest team sports in North America? Long before it became a school sport, Indigenous peoples played early versions of lacrosse for community, tradition, and competition.

The women’s game kicked off in 1890 in Scotland when a headmistress named Louisa Lumsden brought lacrosse to her students after seeing it played in Canada. From there it spread to the U.S. in the 1920s, and women’s teams began popping up in schools and communities.

Since then, women’s lacrosse has grown into a thriving sport with youth, high school, collegiate, and professional players all over the country. It’s a game built on skill, teamwork, and respect for its history, and there is always more to learn and enjoy on and off the field.

All goggles must meet the ASTM 3077 safety standard. You can find a partial list of approved goggles here: US Lacrosse Approved Eyewear. If a goggle meets the standard, the manufacturer will typically indicate it on the product.

For a less bulky fit, many players prefer SISU mouthguards. Options include the Max Guard ($18) and the Aero Guard ($16). You may also be able to use code CHAT10 for 10% off on the SISU website: https://www.sisuguard.com. Please note that clear, white, or “fang”-style mouthguards are not legal for use in games.

Currently, there are limited options for women’s lacrosse helmets. The Cascade helmet is one of the few that meets the F3137 safety standard. BSN Sports lists this helmet at $119 with a best price guarantee. If you’re interested, we can provide more information on where to purchase.

You can find a list of approved helmets here: Certified Products | Safety Equipment Institute