Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) and the Virginia High School League (VHSL) have both decided to make Boys and Girls Varsity Lacrosse an official sport next spring.  Up until recently, public schools in the area have had to compete as club teams including the school’s lacrosse teams for years.

According to 13 News, VBCPS is the first district in Hampton Roads to make the decision to recognize lacrosse as a varsity sport due to the sport’s fast-growing influence in the area. Thanks to the help of players’ families, volunteers, coaches, and more, the clubs have been able to run productively.  Now, VBCPS will take on much of the weight.  The startup costs are predicted to be more than $800,000 and afterward, a yearly cost upwards of $500,000.

One of the biggest issues lacrosse teams face as a recognized school sport is where they will play their games. Up until next year, they have had to compete at various venues such as the Princess Anne Sports Complex, Norfolk Collegiate, and Warhill.  Next year, the falcon lacrosse teams will share the football field with the soccer teams for their home games.

This year the Falcons boys lacrosse team started out fresh, complete with a new head coach, Joe Zirpolo.

“No other school district in the southside of Hampton Roads has those numbers or the ability to say that they can consistently field teams of players from just that school,” Coach Zirpolo said.

Students, teachers, coaches, and players are all ecstatic about the new change coming up next year and look forward to becoming members of VHSL and recognized as such..

“I am very excited about getting to compete at our own school. I feel like the change in atmosphere will most definitely give the team a boost,”Bruehl said.