It is hard to believe that we are heading into the All Star break already. Last December I remember sitting in a conference room in New York City with the other newly appointed head coaches for the PLL. We had no idea what this league was going to look like, how it would work, and for me personally, I was wondering what on earth am I doing in the same room as these coaches?! Seven months later, I found myself standing for our National Anthem, in our Nation’s Capital, during July 4^th weekend literally fighting back tears during the anthem. During this moment I realized what I was doing in that room with those other coaches seven months ago. I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself, and part of something that could provide hope for others. I feel that the PLL is doing that and will continue to do so in the future.

Everything that I have experienced so far with the PLL has been first class. From Training Camp down at IMG, to the hotels we are staying at each week for games. The venues that we have played in so far this season have been great. This past weekend’s venue at Audi Field may be my favorite to date, with Gillette Stadium a close second (as a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan it is tough to admit that). As the venues change each week, one of the things I have noticed that has not changed, is the amount of positive energy that the PLL staff and fans have at each event. It is honestly contagious. To me that is a sure sign of hope! This past weekend I witnessed a father ask his own son to take a picture of the dad and his favorite player! The games and the tour-based model are proving to be fun for all!

The NBC Sports partnership is a game changer. At first I did not know what to expect. Then I turned on my cell phone after our first game of the year against Atlas and friends and family were sending me texts and videos letting me know how awesome the game was as they watched it on TV in different parts of the country. This has continued each week as the word is getting out. I see posts of people watching in bars, restaurants, airports, etc. This is exciting as our sport is getting in front of people that have never seen it, and to those that might have played it at one point in their lives and stopped paying attention to it, now you’re able to get back into it because NBC has made it readily available.

The level of talent in this league is incredible. Between the talent level and the rules the PLL has implemented, the games have been fun to watch and extremely competitive. In fact, so competitive that I do not believe we have had a weekend yet where a game has not gone to overtime. This type of excitement has fans looking forward to each week’s match ups, team line-ups, and fan bases. Clearly our Redwoods squad has the best fans in the league! Can I get a Roll Woods!!!

Heading into the All Star break with a 4-2 record and in the top half of the league is a great feeling. However, in this league no lead or record is safe! The second half of the season promises to be exciting. The PLL experience so far has been dynamic. It has certainly elevated the sport and given so much hope for the future of the sport, for young people playing the game, and for fans all over!

Roll WOODS!

Coach Nat