Harlem. Lacrosse. Search it Up

“When I first saw lacrosse, I thought it was only for boys, but it looked pretty cool.” — Karmen, 12

Beginning last winter, The Players’ Tribune followed the girls lacrosse team from P.S. 149 in Harlem during its 2015–16 season, documenting such moments as a practice on a small patch of astroturf at the school, and following along as the players took the subway to games on Randall’s Island or crammed themselves onto city buses with all of their sticks and equipment in tow — often drawing confused looks from fellow passengers.

Lacrosse? In Harlem?

Through the nonprofit organization Harlem Lacrosse, boys and girls programs have been introduced not only at P.S. 149, but also at other schools in the area.

Here, the P.S. 149 Sojourner Truth Tigers, in their own words, tell their story.

Photos by Taylor Baucom/The Players’ Tribune

Yeah, they be looking at us, like, ‘Whatchu playin’? ‘It’s lacrosse. Search it up. Call my coach. Your daughter might play next year.’ p.s. 149 Sojourner Truth Tigers

If I wasn’t playing lacrosse … I’d be bored out of my mind or causing trouble. Shannen / Age 12

At first, I wasn’t a good student … and then I liked to keep on playing. Szaniya / Age 12

At first, I wasn’t a good student … and then I liked to keep on playing. Szaniya / Age 12

Lacrosse helped me gain confidence. I go places I’ve never been before. I seen the White house, I didn’t see Obama, though. That’d be a dream come true. Kiera / Age 12

Always follow your dreams, don’t let anybody stop you. P.S. 149 Sojourner Truth Tigers

For more information on Harlem Lacrosse, please visit www.harlemlacrosse.org