TAMPA, Fla. — When you start a game with a lot of energy, you give yourself a good chance to win.

The Florida Palms Lacrosse team did just that.

What You Need To Know

  •  The Florida Palms team won a lacrosse tournament in Pennsylvania

  •  The Tampa team beat teams mostly from the Northeast, where lacrosse rules

  •  The players say they hope their national win shines a lacrosse spotlight on the Sunshine State

These middle schoolers from Tampa took down some of the top talent in the country, winning the Summer Genesis Origins tournament in Pennsylvania. En route to the title, they defeated teams from the Northeast, where lacrosse rules.

Tournament MVP Morgyn Jackson said she believes the sport will eventually catch up in popularity in the Sunshine State. She encourages everyone to give lacrosse a try.

“It’s easy to learn and that people can love it,” she said.

It doesn’t take much to get started. You need a stick, goggles, a mouthpiece, cleats and a ball. And bonus: you get to legally hit people.

In a state where football, basketball and baseball generate big participation numbers, lacrosse has been making a dent in the youth market while battling a perception that it is a prep school elitist sport. The reality is much different.

“The reality is these girls come from all different backgrounds,” parent and coach Mandi Davis said.

The FHSAA first recognized lacrosse as a varsity sport in 2008. Since then, high schools all over the state have fielded teams and crowned state champions. The Florida Palms players didn’t want to wait until high school. They’re putting in the work now, and it’s paying off with championships. And with their participation, they’re paying it forward for future generations of lacrosse players.

“It has grown tremendously,” Davis said. “Now that our kids are here, they’re at the youth level, the middle school level, the high school level, it is awesome to see the growth with the girls lacrosse.”