Stick drop: Gulf South Conference bringing lacrosse championship to Huntsville

BIRMINGHAM — Check off one item on the wish list.

The Huntsville Sports Commision and its partner in luring athletic events to the Rocket City, the Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau, have secured one of the many events the two organizations hoped to land through 2028.

The Gulf South Conference announced Thursday it selected Huntsville to host the Women’s Lacrosse Championship in 2025, 2026 and 2027. 

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the Huntsville Sports Commission and bring GSC women’s lacrosse to the Rocket City for the next three seasons,” GSC Commissioner Matt Wilson said. “As we continue to evaluate ways to grow women’s lacrosse and improve the championship experience for student-athletes, the opportunity to align with the HSC was an obvious one.

“The work they have done over the last few years to update the fields and facilities at John Hunt Park and around the city has made Huntsville a championship destination and will be able to provide our student-athletes with a first-class experience.”

Akasha Kasper, UAH women’s lacrosse head coach and GSC Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Committee Chair, said “we are very excited” the tournaments are coming to the Tennessee Valley.

“The selection of Huntsville as the host site highlights the commitment to excellence for student-athlete championships from the Gulf South Conference and Commissioner Wilson,” Kasper said. “I feel confident that the student-athletes competing in the GSC tournament will have an unforgettable championship experience.

“The city of Huntsville boasts a variety of incredible accommodations, restaurants, and activities for traveling teams, families, and fans to enjoy during their time in the area.”

The GSC added women’s lacrosse in August 2015 and spring 2016 was the inaugural season of competition. The championship is a four-team single-elimination tournament, which was previously hosted by the top-seeded team.

John Hunt Park will be the site of the 2025 tournament with semifinal round games slated for April 25 and the championship game April 27. Additional information such as tickets, times and more has not been announced.

The HSC has hosted several GSC championship events, including most recently the 2022 and 2023 men’s and women’s soccer championships and 2023 cross country championships. The HSC will also host the conference’s soccer championships in 2024 as well as the NCAA Division II South Region Cross Country Championships.

“We look forward to once again welcoming GSC student-athletes to Huntsville for a championship event! Lacrosse is a sport that has been growing exponentially in the US, and especially here in Huntsville,” HSC Executive Director Mark Russell said. “Events of this caliber help us grow the sport and there is something special about young athletes getting to watch the sport they’re playing at this level.

“It is truly inspiring, and we are excited to bring that experience to our community. We look forward to working with GSC again to create a stellar event and hope to fill the stands for the Women’s Lacrosse Championship.”