BENTONVILLE (KFSM) - Lacrosse is a sport that's been growing across the country, but even more so now here in Northwest Arkansas.
"Both boys and girls participate in it," Northwest Arkansas Lacrosse Club coach Jack Echeverria said. "It started about eight years ago with 35 kids, and we're just over 150 right now participating in the program."
If you've never held a lacrosse stick, that doesn't matter. Whatever the experience level, there's a team for boys and girls from third to 12th grades on the Northwest Arkansas Lacrosse Club.
"A friend of mine brought me out here, and introduced me to the sport and told me it was a lot more fun," senior Alex Gauthier said. "I used to play football, and you know, wasn't too good at that. So, I came out here and tried this. Obviously are pretty good."
Gauthier had never played the sport before beginning his sophomore year. Now, he's about to head to Concordia University Wisconsin where he was recruited to play.
"The coaches really help you get into the game, and get involved and really excited about playing at the next level," Gauthier said.
Those who play here in Northwest Arkansas say it's only going to continue to gain traction in the region.
"I think lacrosse is a good mix between several sports," junior Kyle Fischer said. "I mean, you can run plays, you can make hits. There's a lot of hand eye coordination. I think it's just a new up and coming sport."
Those who play hope it continues to grow.
"Hopefully we're going to have a high school team in the next few years. So, I just love seeing guys come out here that can experience the sport we all known to come and love," Fischer said.