Lacrosse in Colombia: Embracing a New Passion in a Land of Resilienc

Colombia. A country where the landscape is as diverse as its people, where the music pulses through the streets, and where the food—oh, the food—nourishes the soul as much as the body. But beneath the surface of this vibrant culture lies something unexpected: a budding love for lacrosse.

I first landed in Colombia in 2012, not quite sure what to expect. I was there for lacrosse, a sport that, at the time, was as foreign to most Colombians as the idea of a mild cup of coffee. But something about this place, its people, its energy, told me it was worth a shot. And so began my journey, one that would take me from the bustling streets of Medellin to the coffee-scented hills of Pereira, and deep into the heart of a country eager to embrace something new.

The early days of lacrosse in Colombia were filled with the kind of enthusiasm you might expect from a place known for its passion. We were all just a bunch of dreamers, armed with sticks and an unrelenting desire to make this thing work. I had the privilege of participating in two World Games and two Copa America tournaments, and let me tell you, those were experiences that carved themselves into my soul. Watching the Colombian teams take the field, a mix of nervous energy and fierce determination, was like watching a plant push through the soil—fragile yet undeniably powerful.

Medellin, with its transformation from a city once overshadowed by its notorious past to a beacon of innovation and culture, became a fertile ground for lacrosse. The sport fit right into its narrative of rebirth. I was there from the beginning, helping to nurture the growth of Medellin Lacrosse. It wasn’t always easy. There were days when it felt like we were pushing a boulder uphill, moments when equipment was scarce, and understanding even scarcer. But the smiles, the laughter, and the sheer joy of the game kept us going. It was more than just a sport; it was a way to build something lasting, something positive.

Pereira, on the other hand, offered a different kind of challenge. Smaller, more intimate, but no less passionate. Here, lacrosse was met with curiosity and a little bit of skepticism, as if people weren’t quite sure what to make of this strange game with sticks and a little rubber ball. But once they saw the beauty of it—the speed, the strategy, the teamwork—they were hooked. And I was there, right in the middle of it, watching as this sport slowly but surely took root.

The highs and lows? Oh, there were plenty of both. The highs were the moments of triumph—the first time a player scored a goal, the first win at a tournament, the first time someone picked up a stick and realized they were good at this game. The lows were the struggles—the lack of resources, the injuries, the inevitable setbacks that come with trying to introduce something new in a place that’s already rich with tradition and culture.

But through it all, I got to know Colombia. Not just as a place, but as a living, breathing entity. The people here, they don’t just live life—they embrace it with both hands and squeeze every last drop of joy out of it. They’re not afraid of hard work, not afraid to try something new, and definitely not afraid to dance. I’ve seen players sprint down the field with the same intensity they’d use to dance salsa on a Friday night, and that’s something you just don’t see everywhere.

Lacrosse in Colombia is still a work in progress, a story that’s far from finished. Who knows what the future holds? Maybe lacrosse will become as much a part of the Colombian landscape as coffee and cumbia. Maybe it’ll fade away, a beautiful experiment that wasn’t meant to last. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my time here, it’s that Colombians don’t give up easily. They’ve got grit, they’ve got heart, and they’ve got a love for life that’s infectious.

So here’s to the future—whatever it may bring. Here’s to the players who take the field with fire in their eyes and joy in their hearts. Here’s to a sport that has the power to bring people together, to break down barriers, and to create something beautiful out of nothing. And here’s to Colombia—a place that’s taught me more about life, love, and the pursuit of passion than I ever could have imagined.