About AZ Girls Lacrosse | Arizona's Original Youth Girls Lacrosse Program
Our History
AZ Girls Lacrosse (AZGL) was Arizona's very first youth girls lacrosse program, officially established in 2004 by Jessica Barden. At the time, only a handful of high school teams played girls lacrosse in the state — and there was a clear need to get younger players involved to grow the sport.
Desert StiX began as a recreational team under AZGL. As new teams formed around the Valley, AZGL expanded to welcome all of them into its leagues.
In 2010, Tyna Murphy joined forces with Jessica Barden to keep growing the game. Desert StiX branched out into four locations across the Valley, each with multiple teams — and continues to grow today. Recognizing the need for higher-level competition outside Arizona, the two founded Desert Heat Lacrosse in 2010, Arizona's first travel team program for girls looking to compete beyond recreational play.
What AZGL Offers Today
AZGL is now the umbrella organization behind several girls lacrosse programs in Arizona:
- Desert StiX — Recreational/youth teams across four Valley locations
- Desert Heat Lacrosse — Competitive club travel teams
- Fall Ball League — Seasonal league play
- Southwest Classic — Our local fall tournament, open to Arizona and out-of-state teams
- Additional programs and teams are welcome to join for extra games
Pink Empowered Foundation
Tyna and Jessica saw a need to support families who couldn't afford youth sports — because money should never be the reason a girl doesn't get to play. They founded the Pink Empowered Foundation to support players coming from non-traditional sports backgrounds.
If you're interested in donating or partnering as a business, visit pinkempowered.com to give today and receive a tax write-off.
The Basics of Lacrosse
Lacrosse is a fast-paced game of finesse and skill. Played with a small rubber ball passed stick-to-stick up and down the field toward the goal, it's often called the fastest game on two feet — blending skills from soccer, basketball, and hockey. If you've never seen it played, you'll likely fall in love with it fast.
Our Mission
To provide a place where every girl feels welcome and supported in her growth, at every level of play. We promote a positive experience for our players and use lacrosse as a way to build life skills that last well beyond the field.
Meet your Directors
Jessica Barden |Co-Founder, AZ Girls Lacrosse
Jessica Barden is the founder of AZ Girls Lacrosse and a driving force behind girls lacrosse in Arizona since 2004.
Playing Career
Jessica was a captain and All-American lacrosse player at Sweet Briar College in Virginia. Her passion for the sport, paired with strong coaching and natural talent, quickly turned into a love for coaching the next generation of players.
Coaching Career
Jessica has coached high school lacrosse at Chaparral for nearly two decades, leading the program to 6 state titles.
Recognition
- Served on the US Lacrosse Board of Directors
- Received the Excellence in Growing the Game Award from US Lacrosse in 2010
Tyna Murphy | Co-Founder, AZ Girls Lacrosse
Tyna Murphy is co-founder of AZ Girls Lacrosse and has helped shape competitive girls lacrosse in Arizona since 2010.
Playing Career
Tyna played at Arizona State University, where she served as team captain and earned 1st Team All-Star honors in the WWLL (Women's Western Lacrosse League) during her junior and senior years.
Coaching Career
Tyna went on to serve as head coach of the Sun Devils for five years, leading the team to its first-ever appearance in the US Lacrosse WCLA National Championship Tournament.
Certifications & Involvement
- Served on multiple US Lacrosse committees, including the National Umpire Committee (WGOSC) and the Sport Development Committee
- Nationally rated official
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach / Personal Trainer