Oasis Academy’s Hazel Mackedon, who was named to the HSLL All-Region first team, and her teammates received good news last week when the NIAA announced plans to sanction lacrosse.
Photo by Thomas Ranson.
Lacrosse will soon be an officially sanctioned high school sport in Nevada.
The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association announced last week that it will officially sanction boys and girls lacrosse as varsity sports beginning with the 2026-27 academic year.
"We are excited to take this step toward bringing lacrosse into the fold of sanctioned NIAA sports,” Timothy Jackson, NIAA executive director, said in a release. “This would not be possible without the hard work and support of so many – from school administrators and community advocates to coaches and families.”
Oasis Academy fields girls and boys lacrosse middle and high school programs. The girls qualified for the postseason after finishing fourth while the boys completed a junior varsity regular season.
“I’m very excited that lacrosse is going to be an NIAA sport,” Oasis Academy girls lacrosse coach Karla Craig said. “Hopefully, this will incentivize more small rural towns in Northern Nevada to form lacrosse teams, increasing Oasis Academy’s opportunity for local competition.”
Last season, teams competed in a single league regardless of school size. Oasis Academy and Truckee-North Tahoe were the only non-large schools competing in the division, which included Galena, Douglas, Manogue, Spanish Springs, Reed, Reno, Damonte Ranch and McQueen.
“Lacrosse is such a fun sport to play and watch,” Craig said. “Lacrosse is not well known in Northern Nevada but this will definitely help. Team sports are so important for our young student athletes because they teach teamwork, leadership, accountability, as well as confidence and communication skills. The more sports students can choose from, the better.”
Lacrosse advocates were vocal during the recent session of the Nevada Legislature.
To formally move forward with sanctioning boys and girls lacrosse, the NIAA will hold an Emergency Board of Control Meeting in August to present this item to the Board of Control for approval.
POSTSEASON AWARDS
Several Oasis players were recognized by the High Sierra Lacrosse League.
Midfielders Kaylee Craig and Hazel Mackedon were named to the All-Region First Team, while Reese Laca (attack), Alyssa Ayers (defense) were named to the second team. Craig was also a second-team selection for defense, and Elizabeth Bergman (midfield) was honorable mention.
Academic team honors went to Abigail Lacow, Alexis Slupski, Brynn Spencer, Emerie Wallace, Laynee Diaz, Madison Gregory, Bergman, Mackedon, Craig, Laca and Ayers.