KILL DEVIL HILLS, NC – Lacrosse Fever Takes Over the Outer Banks!
In the picturesque town of Kill Devil Hills, the buzz of lacrosse is echoing through the sandy beaches, embodying the spirit of competition and camaraderie! For over a decade, the local community has seen an incredible transformation thanks to the passion and dedication of its residents. The remarkable journey began in 2010, when a local hero, John Van Lunen, took on the role of the *very first boys’ lacrosse coach* at First Flight High School.
A Journey That Started with a Dream
When John moved to the Outer Banks from Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1997, he didn’t realize how much he would miss the thrill of the game. Although he left behind a full life of lacrosse and ten years of coaching experience to run a water sports business, the pull of lacrosse was undeniable. As he started raising his kids, the idea stirred within him: could he help create a lacrosse culture on this beautiful sandbar?
The Birth of OBX Lacrosse
In 2005, John, along with a couple of fellow Maryland transplants, formed a U13 boys’ lacrosse team. Their mission started with two critical questions: Could they secure field space for practices, and could they join a league? Through his previous experiences as a referee, John found a welcoming league in Hampton Roads Youth Lacrosse (HRYLL). With enthusiasm and support from HRYLL, they began their exciting journey, even traveling over an hour and a half for games on weekends!
Expanding the Team
As the interest in lacrosse grew, so did the team. They added U15 boys’ teams and later expanded into youth girls’ lacrosse. But the real turning point came in 2010 when the North Carolina state sanctioned lacrosse. First Flight High School jumped at the opportunity, seizing the moment to establish their varsity program. A heartfelt shoutout goes to HRYLL for their crucial support, providing seed money for equipment and uniforms. This helped lay the groundwork for the sport’s future.
Building the Lacrosse Community
Lacrosse isn’t just about the high school teams; it’s a community endeavor! With the unwavering support of Dare County Parks and Recreation, field space has been made available to encourage kids to join the fun and get outside. In 2019, a USA Lacrosse TryLax grant allowed them to host a fantastic introductory clinic, which kicked off the hugely popular Soft Stick league. They now provide co-ed Soft Stick Lacrosse for first and second graders in the fall, as well as for third to sixth graders in the spring – all while keeping costs low!
Success at Every Level
At the middle school level, First Flight Middle School proudly competes under the OBX Lacrosse umbrella, facing off against club teams and private schools in Hampton Roads. And for the first time in 2023, they added a girls’ team to compete in the Coastal Crush League. Over at the high school, lacrosse has thrived, with both boys’ and girls’ teams regularly qualifying for state playoffs. The boys’ team even snagged a spot in the state championship game in 2022!
Endurance and Growth
This journey hasn’t been a walk in the park! With players sometimes taking long road trips, often spending more time on the bus than on the field, the commitment of these young athletes is commendable. Despite facing challenges, from evolving interests to kids transferring in and out, the core mission remains: provide opportunities for kids to play lacrosse and enjoy their time on the field!
As the Outer Banks attracts new residents, the lacrosse community is only getting stronger. Experienced players continue to trickle in, building momentum for the future. Here’s to the passion and dedication of those like John, crafting a vibrant lacrosse culture that continues to flourish in the beautiful Outer Banks!
