The New York Atlas have re-signed faceoff specialist Trevor Baptiste through the 2027 season. 

Baptiste is regarded as the top faceoff specialist in the Premier Lacrosse League, garnering six All-Star appearances, five first-team All-Pro and Paul Cantabene Faceoff Specialist of the Year selections, and one Jim Brown MVP Award in 2022. 

New York Atlas head coach Mike Pressler made it his top priority to re-sign Baptiste during this year’s free agency period. 

“As great of a player [Baptiste] is, he’s even greater of a man and an incredible captain,” Pressler said. “His leadership from day one, when I took over a couple of years ago, has been off the charts. … Talk about guys you had to have back, Trevor was a must as we get this thing rolling for the 2025 season.”

Along with his leadership and ability on the field, Pressler praised Baptiste as one of the most relentless players he’s ever coached. 

“There is nobody tougher and nobody more determined,” Pressler said. “I mean, he is one of the toughest honchos in the league, and he does it without saying a word. He does it through his play, his incredible longevity. … He’s battled injuries, and he is a remarkable man.”

Baptiste won 66.2% of his faceoffs, accumulated 109 ground balls and tallied six points (5G, 1A) in his 2024 campaign, helping New York's high-powered offense earn extra possessions. The Atlas averaged a league-high 15.1 scores per game. 

“He makes us go,” Pressler said. “That 32-second shot clock, we got a handle on that in 2024 and got really better at that, and obviously having Trevor at the ‘X’ winning 70% of the faceoffs gives you an incredible advantage at the offensive end.”

New York lost in overtime in the semifinals to the Maryland Whipsnakes during the 2024 season. The Atlas are still seeking their first championship game appearance and league title.