CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Chaos, a Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) team based out of Charlotte, is back in action this season after they were awarded home city status this year.

Over the weekend, the Carolina Chaos duked it out in a doubleheader.

While fans are excited to see the sport back in the city, it's also an opportunity for young lacrosse players to see a professional team play closer to home.

What You Need To Know

  •  The Carolina Chaos of the Premier Lacrosse League was recently awarded home city status

  •  Over the weekend, the Carolina Chaos played in a doubleheader for the first time at home

  •  "It's really great for the younger generation and inspiring them to play too," said rising freshman Cole Kopittke

For some, they’re still learning how to cradle a ball. But for others, they’ve spent years practicing the craft of lacrosse and now want to teach it to others.

That’s the case for Coach Chase Scott of team 91 Charlotte.

“I was tired of the slow pace of baseball, so I picked up lacrosse to start playing in third grade and then just stuck with it ever since,” Scott said.

He’s one of the many coaches on team 91 Charlotte. He said the sport has only grown since he first picked up the whistle, and hopes the PLL only makes it continue on that trajectory. 

“We had some big events in college tournament here, and we’ve had some pro events come with the PLL and now to have a team join, I think our numbers will continue to go up. More kids will play, and we have a lot of two-sport athletes, so a lot of football players are starting to play lacrosse in the spring, and I think they see it translates well and then more eyes on the game, probably more players. I think it’s great for us,” said Scott.

Among those two sport athletes is Cole Kopittke, who fell in love with the game because of his sisters.

“I have three older sisters and they all played lacrosse. So, you know, just having a stick in my hand and being in games really influenced me in playing lacrosse. And then from there, I went to my first camp and then I’ve played ever since, so it’s been about six years.” Kopittke said.

He said as the PLL comes back to the Queen City, it only makes that love for the game grow.

 “You know, the younger generations are going to be able to see this and play this for, and maybe by the time they’re older, you know, the PLL will be an actual like good paying job and a consistent work space for other athletes,” Kopittke said.

It’s an excitement rising freshman Grant Jenkins shares too.

“I’m really excited and like seeing the pros play closer. It’s like it’s easier for us to see how the games played at higher level and, like sometimes, you get to see the players and meet the players and that’s always cool,” Grant said.