Q&A on D&I
KNOCKING DOWN WALLS WITH USL’S EBONI PRESTON-LAURENT
What does a senior manager of diversity and inclusion do at US Lacrosse?
This person is the voice of the underrepresented in our sport. We aim to create resources — education, scholarships and financial assistance for equipment — that might be overlooked in the upper echelons of the sport. We alleviate barriers.
What obstacles keep some from getting into lacrosse?
Many urban groups face problems, like transportation, that prevent them from getting into the sport. We’re working on knocking down the walls that exist in this sport. Lacrosse is a sport for everyone.
How does your work relate to the mission of US Lacrosse?
We want lacrosse to look like what our country looks like. Diversity is something that you have to be intentional about creating.
— M.H.
5 THINGS YOU CAN DO
percent, respectively — they also indicate an opportunity for the nation’s fastest-growing sport to emerge in new and underserved communities.
“For the same reason we need a left-handed and a right-handed attackman, we need to bring in kids from different backgrounds, different experiences and different socio-economic situations,” said Mike Murphy, head men's lacrosse coach at Penn. US Lacrosse’s 2016-18 strategic plan includes an emphasis on providing programs and services that introduce the sport to those unfamiliar with it, reduce financial barriers and make the sport more accessible. Since 2000, US Lacrosse has awarded more than 600 equipment grants
laxmagazine.com
(valued at more than $3 million) to new lacrosse programs in 49 states and Washington, D.C. In 2012 and 2013, the First Stick program reached 225 teams in 38 states.
“Part of our mission is to strengthen lacrosse as a team sport for kids,” said Steve Stenersen, president and CEO of US Lacrosse. “Essential to that mission is accessibility and availability to as many kids as possible.”
It takes more than a token nod. “You don’t just have a person of color or a person with a disability or a person from a different geography,” said Ahngelique Davis, a youth girls’ lacrosse coach in South Jersey and Philadelphia. “You have a person who has a voice.” — Matt DaSilva
1. Communicate the importance of diversity and inclusion. 2. Create partnerships with diverse populations.
3. Allocate funding for outreach and inclusion.
4. Set goals to meet diversity objectives.
5. Examine your personal stereotypes.
MORE ONLINE
FOR MORE TIPS ON HOW TO DIVERSIFY YOUR LACROSSE TEAM OR LEAGUE, VISIT
USLACROSSE.ORG/ INCLUSION.
June 2016 » LACROSSE MAGAZINE 37
INVEST IN OPPORTUNITY
The National Campaign for Lacrosse includes a $1 million fundraising goal to support US Lacrosse’s investment in diversity and inclusion. Donate at
USLacrosse.org/GameOn.
©JOSH ROTTMAN; ©JOHN STROHSACKER
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