Wylie Students Help Lead East Plano Lacrosse to State Championship

The East Plano Lacrosse team recently won the 2025 Texas High School Lacrosse League Class C State Championship, marking its first state title in decades. The victory was made even more meaningful by the contributions of eight Wylie ISD students who played key roles in the team’s success.

Although East Plano Lacrosse is not affiliated with Wylie ISD, it has become a unique opportunity for student-athletes from both Wylie High School and Wylie East High School to compete at a high level in a sport that is not currently offered in the district.

"Being part of a team that’s not officially connected to my school has been such a gift," said McLean Chaney, a WEHS junior who plays for East Plano Lacrosse. "It represents so many Wylie athletes and allows me to meet people from across the district. I’ve had the privilege of making so many friends and learning from each one along the way."

East Plano concluded their tournament run with a 15-11 victory over George Ranch to claim the state championship on May 11, 2025, at Highlander Stadium.

While Wylie High and Wylie East are usually rivals on the field, the Pirates and Raiders put competition aside to unite for the game of lacrosse.

“Being part of a team that has kids from multiple schools brings character and different experiences. Not every school has the same routines or traditions,” said WHS 2025 graduate Connor Taylor. “What makes a great team is having the opportunity to practice with people outside of your school and learn more about what's around you.”

Thanks to the support and sponsorship of Wylie ISD staff member Jennifer Taylor, Wylie’s involvement in the team has grown steadily over the past few years.

“As a program sponsor, one of the most rewarding aspects has been watching these student-athletes grow not just in their skills, but also in character,” she said. “Beyond the field, our players regularly volunteer at community events, demonstrating strong teamwork and leadership.”

The team, composed of student-athletes from across the region, bonded over a shared love for lacrosse and a relentless drive to improve. Their hard work paid off this season as they dominated tournament play and ultimately took home the state championship.

“My team and I put in hard work and extreme effort for two hours every single weekday,” Chaney said. “As an understaffed team, we knew we needed to work harder than ever, and we did. Thankfully, it paid off and we got the job done.”

The championship game was filled with high-stakes moments and unforgettable plays, but for many players, one memory stood out above the rest. It wasn’t just the final score, but the grit and growth shown on the field.

“My favorite moment during the championship game was when one of our freshmen tied the game in the fourth quarter and ended up getting a hat trick to win us the game. He showed up when it counted,” Connor said.

The team’s success reflects the strength of collaboration and the opportunities it creates beyond district boundaries. As the sport continues to grow, especially among Wylie students, this championship could serve as a milestone moment for lacrosse in the area.

“After the season, it was very cool to see the impact we had on our community. I’ve been invited to many events as well as recognized at my school multiple times,” Chaney said. “However, for me, the most important takeaway from our season was that if you’re committed enough, you can achieve anything.”

The journey to the state title was not easy, but the players’ dedication and shared commitment helped fuel their success on and off the field.

“My sophomore year, we went to state and got knocked out in the second round, but my class of 2025 said we were going to win that title in the next two years, so we were committed to making our wish come true,” Connor said.

Congratulations to these Wylie ISD students and the East Plano Lacrosse team on achieving this highest level of competition!

WEHS:

• Mac Chaney
• Nathan Garay

WHS: 

• Austin Egler 
• Beau Wilson
• Connor Taylor
• Kade Humphrey
• Mason Harris
• Vance Flick