There has been a 1,500-pound gorilla sleeping in the landscape of Texas high school sports the past few years, and 2014 could see the emergence of a new power sport within the Lone Star State as it relates to participation. Lacrosse has quickly become the sport of choice for highly-skilled athletes within the Houston area, both male and female, for the mix of power, speed, and strategy that the game provides.

“We are seeing a lot of crossover with our football and soccer athletes within lacrosse because of the way that the game plays out,” said Byron Babin, the president of The Woodlands Lacrosse.

“Lacrosse provides the physical nature of defending your goal, which is attractive for the football psyche. The sport also provides the speed and endurance that you see with soccer and executing set offenses that you would see on a basketball court. Combine that with the intensity and competitiveness of the Texas high school athlete and you get a beautiful sport,” he said.

Although Houston is making great strides in becoming a state hotbed for collegiate talent, Dallas still rules the roost when it comes to Division I commitments. click here for complete list