Roughly five to ten HBCUs currently have lacrosse teams according to USA Lacrosse. NSU is adding to this constantly growing number with their men’s and women’s lacrosse teams. Entering their second year leading the women’s program, coaches Tyrell Van and William Rose are looking forward to changing that.
Scouted from coaching 7 on 7 lacrosse, Van and Rose are looking forward to building up Norfolk State’s lacrosse program. Coach Van shared the team’s goals of not only joining the NCAA but also landing themselves in the D1 sports division as the program continues.
Coach Rose noted some of the techniques they plan to continue to advance the team’s competitive edge, including schemes, formations, and overall strongly developed athlete mindsets.
Team captains Torrence Stacy and Shayla Holiday are both on board with the coaches. Both previous athletes, captains Stacy and Holiday, enjoy the team’s “competitive atmosphere and team bonding” stated Holiday.
The captains see promise in many of the joining members as they continue to reinforce the team’s strengths. They see no limits as to how far they’ll go in this season’s championship and continue preparing for their competition.
As the preseason continues and teams further their developments, both lacrosse teams are beginning to engage in skirmishes. On Sunday, October 6th, the teams went against VSU, taking one win and one loss. The teams are still looking for “athletes, anyone in good shape, or anyone willing to put in the work” said Rose.
The rise in stakes is also being reflected in practices that aim to match the intensity. Coach Van is planning to integrate into practice “a lot of running, conditioning, listening, and technique” claimed Van.
Lacrosse isn’t a growing sport just at Norfolk State University. There have been rumors of the sport being in the 2028 Olympics for both men and women. The team is happy to have the sport getting more recognition and is looking forward to potentially being a part of that.
The coaches note this announcement as an inspiration for them to persevere in their work and continue looking for and developing talent. The Olympic lacrosse sport will also be sixes, the same variant of the sport Norfolk State’s team is practicing.
Coaches Van and Rose are accepting anyone with athleticism or an interest in sports to come play. Anyone willing to put in the work to learn the sport and condition their body would be a great fit for the team. Practice takes place 2-3 times a week: Tuesdays, Thursdays, 6-8pm, and Fridays before games at the same time.
If interested, stop by the practice fields on campus during those times, or message the lacrosse team on Instagram @NSU_LAX. The men’s team is also accepting players who can reach out to the same Instagram handle.
Spartan Echo 