Grassroots Grit and Glory - The Story of Vashon Lacrosse Club

Honoring the Origins of Lacrosse

Lacrosse isn’t just a sport. It’s a sacred game with roots in Native American culture, played for centuries by Indigenous peoples as a way to connect with their communities, their spirituality, and the land. Known as "The Creator’s Game," it was originally played to resolve conflicts, heal relationships, or honor important traditions. This history carries deep significance, and at Vashon Lacrosse Club (VLC), we honor those origins by fostering a culture of respect, connection, and community. From the first passes on Vashon Island to championship moments, the spirit of lacrosse as a game with purpose and meaning has always been at the heart of our program.

Grassroots Beginnings (1990–1997)

The story of VLC began in 1990 when Vern Smith and Charlie Rosenberry introduced lacrosse to Vashon Island. Inspired by their East Coast roots and love for the game, they started a high school team with little more than borrowed gear and a dream. It was a true grassroots effort—players helped haul equipment to practices, carpooled to games, and learned the game from scratch. These were formative years, built on resilience, determination, and a belief in the power of teamwork. In 1997, that determination paid off when the team captured its first state championship in a nail-biting victory over Nathan Hale. That early win symbolized what makes VLC special: grit, heart, and a commitment to showing up for one another. Vern and Charley have both been inducted into the Washington State Lacrosse Hall of Fame. 

Building the Pipeline: Middle School and Mentorship (2000–2012)

The early 2000s brought a major shift as VLC expanded to include a middle school program, laying the foundation for what would become a robust feeder system. Coaches Ian Van Harper, Dan Macca, and Al Ferguson played pivotal roles in developing young players, not just as athletes but as leaders. This era also saw the rise of mentorship programs that connected high school players with younger athletes, creating bonds that strengthened the club’s culture. For many players, lacrosse wasn’t just a sport: it was their community, their outlet, and their path to self-discovery. It was during this time that VLC’s reputation grew as a program that cared deeply about its players and their development on and off the field.

Golden Era: Championships and Character (2005–2019)

If VLC’s early years were about finding its footing, the mid-2000s marked its arrival as a powerhouse. The 2005 Division II state championship, with a decisive 11-4 victory over Whatcom, was a defining moment. Led by first wave of players that began playing together on the first middle school teams, the team embodied everything VLC stands for: hard work, camaraderie, and unshakable determination. This era saw a surge of success, from thrilling victories over powerhouse teams like Bellevue and Mercer Island to earning the state Sportsmanship Award in 2017. The high school and middle school programs flourished, thanks to the dedication of leaders like Laura Davidheiser, whose tireless efforts behind the scenes helped ensure VLC’s growth and sustainability. By 2019, VLC capped off this golden era with another state championship, defeating Liberty High School and reaffirming its place among Washington’s most successful “pound for pound” programs.

The Valkyries: Growth of the Girls' Program

The VLC girls' program began in 2007 under the leadership of Gene Lipitz, who saw the potential for lacrosse to empower and connect young women on Vashon Island. What started as a single team quickly evolved into a thriving program, with players learning the game from scratch and embracing its values of teamwork and resilience. Larry DuBouis took the reins in 2009, leading the girls' teams for over a decade and building a strong feeder system from middle school to high school. One of the program’s proudest moments came in 2018 when the high school girls’ team earned the state Sportsmanship Award, a testament to their character and dedication to the game. Today, the girls’ program remains an integral part of VLC’s identity, providing opportunities for connection, leadership, and personal growth.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Vashon Lacrosse Club is a gem of the island community that has celebrated success on the field while promoting belonging, mentorship, and shared purpose for youth and families alike. For over 30 years, VLC has been a home for players of all backgrounds, many of whom found their place on the field when they didn’t feel at home anywhere else. Inspired by the rich history of lacrosse as a game of connection and meaning, VLC continues to embody the values of teamwork, respect, and resilience.