The Saint Xavier High School lacrosse team has a rich history of success, having won numerous Kentucky Lacrosse State Championships. As of 2024, lacrosse at Saint Xavier was a club sport, but with the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) sanctioning boys’ and girls’ lacrosse starting in 2025, it will become an official high school sport. This transition marks a significant milestone for the team, which has been a dominant force in the state, consistently competing at high levels and winning titles. The KHSAA’s decision to sanction lacrosse reflects the sport’s growing popularity and importance in Kentucky
Coach Kevin Doherty, going into his second year at the helm for the Tigers lacrosse team, has played a crucial role in getting the sport sanctioned by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA). In only his first year as head coach, he played a pivotal role in bringing the Saint Xavier lacrosse team into the Midwest Scholastic Lacrosse Association (MSLA). As the first-year head coach, Doherty elevated the program by leveraging his experience and vision to align the team with the MSLA, enhancing their competitive opportunities and exposure on a larger stage.
Coach Doherty gives his thoughts on this new era for Kentucky lacrosse.
How has the offseason benefited the team for its first season as a part of the KHSAA?
Entering my second year, I feel that everyone is more comfortable with one another and aligned with the expectations we’ve set. Over the offseason, we took the time to evaluate what worked well and what didn’t last year, and those lessons have guided our preparation and approach moving forward.
How has joining the KHSAA affected the schedule for this coming year?
In terms of scheduling, not much has changed. We’ll continue competing in the Midwestern Scholastic Lacrosse Association (MSLA) alongside the Kentucky High School Athletic Association
How does it feel to see lacrosse officially sanctioned as a high school sport in Kentucky?
Lacrosse has been ready to grow in Kentucky for years, and now that it’s officially sanctioned, it’s an exciting time for the sport. As one of just 25 states in the country to have sanctioned lacrosse, we should take pride in being part of this milestone.
What are your goals for the Saint Xavier lacrosse program in this new era?
Our goal will remain the same, focus is on maximizing our potential—because when we play to our potential, we’re good enough to beat anyone on our schedule.
What impact do you think this decision will have on the sport’s growth and popularity in the state?
Looking ahead, I anticipate significant growth for lacrosse over the next 5-10 years. Being sanctioned elevates the sport’s visibility and legitimacy within Kentucky and the surrounding region. While Louisville already has a strong foundation for lacrosse, we need to expand the sport’s popularity throughout the city and into more zip codes. As Louisville’s presence grows, I expect other areas of the state to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of growth statewide.
What are the expectations for this upcoming season for the team?
Our goals are simple but ambitious: to compete for both the MSLA and KHSAA titles. Above all, we aim to be a team that’s tough to play against, regardless of the opponent.
The Tiger lacrosse team has been working all off season to prepare for this exciting season. Upperclassmen leadership will play a key role in the Tigers success this season. As the season is underway, the Tigers are getting ready to take home the first ever Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) lacrosse state championship trophy.
