DIAA Board of Directors Approves Expansion of Girls Lacrosse State Tournament for 2025 Season
DIAA Board of Directors Approves Expansion of Girls Lacrosse State Tournament for 2025 Season
Dover, DE – December 16, 2024 – The Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) Board of Directors has recently approved the proposed expansion of the Girls Lacrosse State Tournament from 12 to 16 teams. The decision, passed during the December 12, 2024 meeting, will take effect for the 2025 season.
The expansion reflects the continued growth and competitiveness of girls lacrosse in Delaware. With 35 teams tentatively scheduled to compete in 2025, this move ensures more equitable representation and aligns with the existing structure of the Boys Lacrosse State Tournament, which has allowed 16 teams for several years.
Key changes to the tournament structure include:
- Staggered Bracket Format: The top four seeds will receive a bye to the quarterfinals, seeds 5–8 will receive a bye to the second round, and seeds 9–16 will compete in the first round.
- Expanded At-Large Berths: Twelve at-large berths will now be available in addition to automatic bids for the Blue Hen, Diamond State, Henlopen, and Independent Conference champions.
The DIAA Girls Lacrosse Tournament Committee emphasized several factors supporting the expansion:
- Increased Participation: The expansion restores the original qualifying percentage seen in earlier tournaments.
- Gender Equity: Aligning with the Boys Lacrosse State Tournament creates parity across genders.
- Enhanced Competition: Narrow differences in team rankings promise more competitive matchups, particularly in early rounds.
DIAA Executive Director, Dave Baylor, expressed his enthusiasm for the change. “Expanding the Girls Lacrosse State Tournament reflects our commitment to growing opportunities for student-athletes and fostering equity across sports. This decision ensures a more inclusive tournament while maintaining a high level of competition that showcases the incredible talent in Delaware.”
DIAA is excited to spotlight the skill and dedication of Delaware’s girls lacrosse teams in the newly expanded tournament for the 2025 season. This enhancement is expected to elevate the overall experience for players, coaches, and fans, reinforcing the DIAA’s mission to promote the growth of high school sports and ensure fair opportunities for all student-athletes.
Dates of last play date, tournament committee meeting and rounds of playoffs have been adjusted as indicated in the comparison chart below. Spring Sport manuals are slated to be released following the February 2025 DIAA Board of Directors meeting.
| Proposed /Approved | Proposed /Approved | |
| Last Competition Date | May 14, 2025 | |
| Committee Seeding Meeting | May 14, 2025 | |
| First Round Games | May 16, 2025 | |
| First Round Games | May 17, 2025 | |
| Second Round Games | May 19, 2025 | |
| Second Round Games | May 20, 2025 | |
| Quarter Final Games | May 21, 2025 | |
| Quarter Final Games | May 22, 2025 | |
| Semi-Final Games | May 28, 2025 | |
| Final Championship Game | May 30 or May 31, 2025 |
About DIAA
The Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) regulates interscholastic athletics and promotes the value of sportsmanship, teamwork, and integrity for Delaware high schools. DIAA oversees numerous sports and activities, ensuring equitable opportunities for all student-athletes.
For DIAA media inquiries, please contact: Caitlin Finkley at Caitlin.Finkley@doe.k12.de.us
For more information, contact DIAA at 302-857-3365.