The William Byrd Middle School Girls Lacrosse Club hosted the “Laxing for Leanne Memorial
Game” in memory of Leanne Fisher on April 20 at Patterson Stadium in Vinton.
the Fisher family after the win at the “Laxing for Leanne” memorial event. (photo courtesy of Gloria Harris)
Fisher, passed away on November 15, 2023, at the young age of 48. Her husband, David,
children Emily, Russell, and lacrosse captain Ryleigh were honored at a ceremony at center field.
Also in attendance were Leanne’s parents, other family members, many staff members from
William Byrd Middle and High Schools, Deputy Joe Mullins and Tim Greenway, the school
board representative for Vinton. Chuck Lionberger, the voice of Roanoke County Schools, was
the announcer for the day.
Evan Noell, WBMS Principal and Katherine Hutchison, WBMS assistant principal, along with
coaches Harrison Lionberger, Will Smith, and Ryan Hutchison presented a special piece of
artwork to the family, drawn by the children’s bus driver, Norman Smith.
Flowers and team hats were presented to the Fishers by members of the WBMS lacrosse family
whose parents passed away during their time at Byrd:
- Varsity Head Coach, Daniel Ebherhart and his daughter, lacrosse alumni Rachel–
Rachel’s mother passed away on May 18, 2016, at the age of 49. - Current varsity captain Annika Hylton–Annika’s mother Kim, passed away on June 1,
2021, at the age of 55. - Head William Byrd Middle School coach and alumni Kelsey Harris, and her mother,
Gloria Harris, girls’ lax coordinator–Kelsey’s father passed away on April 23, 2016, at
the age of 46.
After the ceremony the girls played a great game of lacrosse against Forest. Gracie Morgan
scored her first ever lax goal, with Vicki Smith and Ryleigh Fisher each scoring two goals. The
Terriers pulled out the win, 5-2.
“I’m so proud of how hard the girls played and put their all into the game in honor of
Leanne,” said Coach Harris.
It was a great day for all in attendance. A huge amount of pet food was collected and donated to
the SPCA, along with $300, all in Leanne’s honor. WBMS Girls LAX would like to thank Kings
Screen, Physicians to Women, WBMS PTO, and Forest Lacrosse for all their support.
~Submitted by Gloria Harris, WBMS Girls’ Lax Coordinator
