In a disturbing incident that has rattled the York College community, several members of the women's lacrosse team were attacked in their off-campus residence earlier this month. The assault occurred on Friday, September 11, on the 300 block of West Jackson Street in York County, Pennsylvania, a neighborhood just steps from campus.
According to reports, the students were relaxing on their porch when an unknown woman approached and initiated a confrontation. The situation quickly escalated, with a group of unidentified females rushing the students. One student described the chaos to FOX 43: "After the first punch was given, all these girls started to rush us, and that's where it kind of gets blurry because I think people were coming at me… I turn and see my friend get dragged by her hair down our porch steps and disappear. My other friend got dragged by her hair."
The victims called 9-1-1 five times before police arrived, highlighting the severity of the situation. York City Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident, as well as ongoing complaints of disorderly conduct in the area. A spokesperson urged anyone with information to submit a tip via the department's website.
York College released a statement emphasizing that "student safety is always the highest priority" and confirming that the altercation involved individuals unaffiliated with the college. The college noted that the property is off-campus and outside the jurisdiction of campus safety, but that they are actively supporting affected students, including offering relocation to campus housing for those on West Jackson Street who wish to move.
The incident has drawn attention from the lacrosse community, with longtime coach Brian Reese speaking out on social media. "My thoughts and prayers go out to the members of York Women's lacrosse team who were attacked in their houses. I'm very surprised this hasn't been covered more in the media and especially the lacrosse media. Hope they bring the culprits to justice and the victims recover," he wrote.
This attack comes amid broader conversations about safety and respect in women's sports, and it underscores the vulnerabilities that student-athletes face off the field. The York College community is rallying around the victims, and local authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that can arise in off-campus living situations. For now, the focus remains on the well-being of the students and ensuring that justice is served.
