LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Clark County School District has reversed its decision to pause high school lacrosse and will now offer the sport at nine district schools in the upcoming season, in partnership with the Las Vegas Desert Dogs.
The district’s initial decision to not offer the sport drew frustration from the local lacrosse community. Days later, CCSD announced the reversal after working with the Desert Dogs to address cost and implementation concerns.
Players react to the turnaround
Brody Rasmuson, a lacrosse player at Coronado High School, said the change opens doors for more students.
“It gives a lot of players more opportunities,” Rasmuson said.
Rasmuson said the school-sanctioned status is already drawing new participants.
“I have four friends that are signing up this year because it’s finally school-sanctioned,” he said.
Jaxon Bush, a player at Pinecrest Academy Sloan-Canyon, said he is eager to compete against nearby schools and asked whether a state championship would be part of the program.
PREVIOUS: Las Vegas Desert Dogs respond to CCSD decision to pause sanctioned lacrosse
Coaches look ahead to growth
Coach Jeremy Sieverts, who played professionally, said the initial news was disappointing but that the reversal signals a significant moment for the sport in Nevada.
“It’s a really exciting time for lacrosse competitively across our state as we kind of catch up with California and Utah, who have been sanctioned now for a couple years,” Sieverts said.
Sieverts also credited the Desert Dogs’ involvement as an example of professional sports giving back.
“I think that is part of what pro sports should be about — is giving back to the community,” he said.
Desert Dogs step in on costs and equipment
Jonah Haas, Chief Business Officer of the Las Vegas Desert Dogs, said the organization worked to resolve the district’s concerns quickly.
“We worked tirelessly over the last few days to find a solution with them on getting more efficient on costs, on the implementation of the program throughout the district,” Haas said.
The Desert Dogs are also launching a grant this fall to help lower-income students afford required gear. Haas said the grant will be available to any student participating in a CCSD-implemented program.
Rasmuson noted the cost of equipment is a barrier for many players.
“A helmet, I think it’s like 300 something bucks. And then there’s shoulder pads or chest pads, stick. And sticks break a lot, too,” Rasmuson said.
School pride and long-term expansion
For players, district recognition carries meaning beyond competition. Rasmuson said playing under the school’s name changes the experience.
“Before, it was just the Cougars, and now it’s the Coronado Cougars because we get to be represented by the school. So that’s exciting to finally have some representation and maybe have some fans from the school show up,” Rasmuson said.
The Desert Dogs’ long-term goal is to expand the sport to all 50 CCSD high schools. Westward Lacrosse, coached by Sieverts, will offer free training and free equipment loans for CCSD students on Sunday evenings beginning this fall.
The Las Vegas Desert Dogs says the schools that will have lacrosse for the 2026-2027 season include:
- Arbor View High School
- Centennial High School
- Chaparral High School
- Coronado High School
- Foothill High School
- Liberty High School
- Palo Verde High School
- Shadow Ridge High School
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