Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/5/26
From PIAA Press Release
MECHANICSBURG -The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc. (PIAA) is proud to announce the selection of Dawn Grothmann, West Chester, as the next statewide interpreter for Girls’ Lacrosse.
Grothmann will assume the duties at the conclusion of this year’s Lacrosse Championships which will be held at Penn State University on June 13, 2026.
The PIAA assumed jurisdiction of girls’ lacrosse in the 1973-74 school year and held its first championship in 2009. Since the sport became an official championship sport, Grothmann will be just the third individual to serve in this role. She brings extensive experience and a longstanding commitment to interscholastic athletics, having served in the past as a championship official in the sports of field hockey and girls lacrosse.
Originally registered as an official in both field hockey and girls’ lacrosse in 2002, Grothmann served as a PIAA championship official in both sports.
Grothmann’s officiating career spans the local and national levels, including experience across all three divisions of NCAA competition. In addition to her on-field accomplishments, she has held numerous leadership and training roles within PIAA, helping to mentor and develop officials throughout her career.
A strong advocate for girls’ lacrosse in southeastern Pennsylvania, Grothmann was recognized in 2023 with the Philadelphia Lacrosse Association Founders’ Award for her contributions to the growth and development of the sport in the Commonwealth.
“I’ve seen the sport grow and evolve over the past 46 years into what it is today,” said
Grothmann. “I welcome the opportunity to serve girls’ lacrosse officials across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
Grothmann succeeds Karen Blaine, who served with distinction in the role for more than a decade and is the longest-tenured girls’ lacrosse statewide rules interpreter in PIAA history.
“PIAA thanks Ms. Blaine for her dedicated service to the girls’ lacrosse community,” said Mark Byers, PIAA Executive Director. “We are pleased to welcome Dawn Grothmann, whose professionalism and experience will greatly benefit officials and the continued growth of the sport.”
