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Pittsburgh Youth Lacrosse Association directors are urging Pittsburgh-area youth to register and apply for scholarships for the upcoming 2025 spring season.
PYLAX is a nonprofit charitable organization committed to engagement in the community with a mission of providing an inclusive and positive sports program for all players.
Online registration is ongoing and scholarship applications can be applied for online through Feb. 10 at pghyouthlax.com.
Scholarships provide full coverage of registration fees and equipment to qualifying young lacrosse players in the region.
PYLAX was founded in 2004 and is based in the Fox Chapel area.
Volunteer program directors are president and boy’s program director/coach Andrew Dickson, treasurer Lauren Shepherd and girl’s program director/coach Ashley Gottwald.
Dickson is a former lacrosse captain and All-American at Shady Side Academy who also served as captain and All-Conference in lacrosse at Ohio Wesleyan University.
“I continue to coach and volunteer as it’s a great sport for kids and brings me joy when I see other players gain the confidence to do something they’ve never done before,” said Dickson, who moved back to Fox Chapel in 2008. “While I’m extremely proud of the board and coaching staff being able to organize and compete against other highly competitive programs in the area, my highlight is always seeing a player catch the ball for the first time and the smiles that ensue.”
Gottwald, of Fox Chapel, has coached for PYLAX for 20 years and played lacrosse competitively at Allegheny College.
Last year she coached about 130 girls from mid-March to mid-May.
“The sport has given me a lot in my life and I love to be able to give back and give that to all of the future generations,” Gottwald said. “Lacrosse is a confidence builder for young girls and you have to work with others. Girls being able to do something physical is really important.”
Participation among girls is growing each season.
“We’re at record numbers, which is great to see, and the girls are responding to our great coaches. It provides a competitive edge without the pressure of a tryout team,” Gottwald said.
Gottwald described lacrosse as the “fastest game on two feet” for many reasons, including all of the running, using a stick and keeping the playing ball in the air.
This year, about $2,500 of scholarship funds are available to eligible players.
“Anyone can apply who doesn’t have the financial means to pay for equipment and registration fees. We have an entire application review process and rubric,” Shepherd said. “I’m really excited to bring awareness to our lacrosse program and award more children the opportunity to learn and play such a wonderful sport.”
PYLAX field locations are Fox Chapel Area High School stadium, Shady Side Academy Stadium and far fields, Pittsburgh Indoor Sports Arena and Offseason Sports.
All skill levels are encouraged to participate and the program is open to boys and girls in grades K-8 enrolled in the Fox Chapel Area School District and Pittsburgh city-area communities where a lacrosse program is not offered.
The scholarship application deadline is Feb. 10.
For more information, visit pghyouthlax.com.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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