WJCC students urge Board of Supervisors to approve plan to make lacrosse a VHSL sport

Williamsburg-James City County high school students packed into a Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday to voice support for a proposal that would make lacrosse an official Virginia High School League (VHSL) sport in the division.

Superintendent Daniel Keever’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year includes $225,000 in funding to cover VHSL lacrosse program expenses, equipment, uniforms and coaching costs.

Why it matters: The move would “make lacrosse a more accessible sport to all high school students in the WJCC district,” said Vernon Geddy, a James City County restaurant owner and parent of two student lacrosse players.

Geddy stressed that VHSL provides “valuable resources” for sports that are certified by its league, including transportation. Some students, he said, are having to navigate potentially dangerous travel situations just to be able to attend games.

“Transportation alone is an extremely helpful resource,” Geddy said. “Having students drive themselves to some of these locations where games are played is somewhat daunting for new drivers. [They’re] going to places like Virginia Beach during rush hour through the endless construction of the tunnel and back.”

Background: Support for making lacrosse a VHSL varsity sport has been growing among students, parents and coaches in recent years. Dozens showed up at public hearings to push for the change during the last two budget cycles.

Many argued that VHSL certification would make it possible for more students to participate in lacrosse while expanding recruitment and scholarship opportunities for players.

Under the current lacrosse program structure, families must pay for club fees, equipment and transportation.

WJCC’s total proposed FY2027 operating budget of $202.7 million also includes funding for the development of a JROTC program, central support staff, additional school security officers and special education-related services.

What’s next: The proposed budget will be reviewed in April by both the James City County Board of Supervisors and the Williamsburg City Council.