Brecksville Woman Honored for Helping to Launch Bees' Lacrosse Program

When Lauren Jirousek remembers what it was like launching the lacrosse program at Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School, she thinks back to how exhausting the work was at times.

She worked on Bees lacrosse 10 months out of the year. There were nights she'd drive back to the "turf" at midnight because she couldn't remember if she'd locked the gate.

For her dedication, Jirousek was recognized at a recent lacrosse game, appropriately on the night of senior honors.  Her daughter, Julianne, a senior, also played lacrosse.

“I told the parents and the players after they recognized me on May 10 that there were times when I wondered if it was all worth it,” she said. “Sometimes the exhaustion hit me hard. I was so touched by the recognition — especially from the players and the student section. I love those kids.”   

In the fall of 2006, Lauren’s son, Jim Jirousek, came home to say he was interested in playing Lacrosse.  She and her husband essentially had to Google it, because they’d never seen a game before.  

For several years, parents worked to convince the high school’s athletic department to start a lacrosse program. Budget considerations made it difficult.  

Jirousek helped to raise money in the early years to fund the program — think helmets, “pinnies” and jerseys.  

“The first year we had 26 brave souls, boys who dared to try something different,” she said. “I still am awestruck by them. Teenagers rarely take a risk like that. Coach Owen Rasmussen actually had to buy a book and video on how to play lacrosse.”  

She said that sport alternatives for students were limited — only so many boys play baseball and only the fastest kids run in the important heats in track.  

Even though lacrosse is still considered a club sport, students are able to earn varsity letters. The number of participating students continues to grow.   

Jirousek said she’s proud of how far the program has come.  

“They come to lacrosse as freshmen children and leave us as incredible young men and women," she added. "It was a privilege to have been part of so many kids high school experience. When I reflect back in 20 years, what we did for lacrosse will be one of the things I am most proud of.”