This first season in the PLL has been an unbelievable experience.

For us the season has clearly seen its ups and downs and our journey to the playoffs has been one that I will not forget. That is a tribute to our assistant coaches, players, and medical staff. This season we found ourselves in second place in the league going into the All-Star Break to us losing the next three games and fighting for our playoff lives going into our last regular season matchup in Albany. With our backs against the ropes, our Redwoods squad dug in and fought our way back to the middle of the ring and fought our way into the playoffs!

This past weekend’s scene in Columbus, Ohio was one that I had not experienced in professional lacrosse.  As the fourth seed in the first-ever Premier Lacrosse League playoffs, we knew we were going to have our hands full with the No. 3 seeded Archers Lacrosse Club.  The setting was great for the first playoff game, Friday night lights, No. 3 vs. No. 4, two teams that had played to two one goal games in the regular season with each team winning one game a piece.  The intensity and emotion was insane!  Both teams competed to the very end.  I remember in the third quarter hearing the “Let’s Go ‘Woods” chant from the crowd.  I have never experienced a crowd so into the game at the professional level.  I was extremely proud of our team because I felt that in an even game, we were able to come up with more of the hustle plays and tough GB’s and that proved to be the difference as we were able to prevail with the victory in the first-ever PLL playoff game.  A special thanks to “Redwoods Nation” for coming out and supporting our squad!  It was extra special for me as my family was able to be at the game and share the unreal experience with me.  It was a treat seeing my kids run around the field and interacting with their favorite players, and one of their favorite figures in the PLL, RJ.  Yes, you read that right…they love them some RJ!

Speaking of perspective, what a powerful moment it will be to be back in New York this weekend for our semifinal playoff game honoring the 9/11 First Responders.  Never Forget!

Roll Woods,

Coach Nat