California Redwoods Overview
The California Redwoods are a professional field lacrosse team based in San Diego, California, that competes in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). Founded in 2019, the team began play during the PLL’s inaugural season and represents one of the league’s original franchises. The team plays its home games at Torero Stadium on the campus of the University of San Diego. Prior to the 2024 season, the franchise operated under the name Redwoods Lacrosse Club from 2019 to 2023 before being rebranded as the California Redwoods to reflect its San Diego identity. The team has yet to win a championship title in its history. Joe Spallina serves as the general manager, while Anthony Kelly holds the position of head coach.
Founding and Organizational Origins
The Premier Lacrosse League launched in 2019 as a new professional field lacrosse circuit designed to provide elite competition outside the traditional Major League Lacrosse structure. The Redwoods franchise was established as one of the eight founding teams when the league debuted. The formation of the team brought together investors and lacrosse professionals who saw an opportunity to elevate the sport through a centralized, tour-based model that would visit major markets across the United States.
The original ownership group and front office assembled a roster drawing from both established professional players and emerging talent from the college ranks. The team’s early operational structure focused on building a competitive roster while establishing the infrastructure needed for national travel and consistent performance across the league’s tour schedule. This period laid the foundation for the organization’s approach to player development and team management.
Growth Into Premier Lacrosse League Competition
Entering the PLL as a new franchise required the Redwoods to establish their competitive identity against established programs with deeper rosters and more experience at the professional level. The team’s early years involved significant roster building through the PLL’s entry drafts and college drafts, which allowed the organization to assemble talent from both Major League Lacrosse transfers and top college graduates. The 2020 entry draft, hosted by Paul Burmeister with NBCSN coverage, became a key mechanism for strengthening the roster with experienced professional players.
The franchise steadily developed its roster through multiple college drafts, selecting promising young talent from top-tier collegiate programs across the country. This player acquisition strategy helped the Redwoods build competitive depth while developing a pipeline of future contributors. The organization also focused on identifying key positions of need and targeting players whose skills aligned with the team’s tactical approach.
California Redwoods Competitive Journey
Since entering the Premier Lacrosse League in 2019, the California Redwoods have competed as a consistent contender in the eight-team circuit. The franchise has participated in every PLL season, building competitive experience and establishing rivalries with fellow PLL clubs. While the team has reached playoffs and postseason competition, it has not yet secured a championship title through its seasons of play.
Early Seasons and Development (2019–2021)
The Redwoods’ inaugural 2019 season marked the beginning of the Premier Lacrosse League’s tour-based model, which brought all eight teams to compete in major metropolitan areas throughout the summer months. The team faced immediate challenges against established competition while working to integrate new players into a cohesive unit. Early results reflected the growing pains typical of a new franchise building its identity at the professional level.
The 2020 and 2021 seasons provided opportunities for the franchise to solidify its roster and coaching staff. The entry draft process brought experienced players from rival leagues, adding professionalism and skill to the lineup. College drafts during this period contributed emerging talent that would form the core of the team’s future ambitions. These years established the foundation for more consistent competitive performance.
Breakthrough and Playoff Pursuit (2022–2024)
The 2024 season marked a significant organizational milestone when the franchise was officially rebranded as the California Redwoods on January 1, 2024. The PLL announced that the team would be based in San Diego, with Torero Stadium serving as the home venue for homecoming weekend events. This rebranding aligned the team with its geographic market and provided a clearer regional identity within the league’s national footprint.
Under the leadership of general manager Joe Spallina and head coach Anthony Kelly, the California Redwoods have continued to pursue postseason success in the Premier Lacrosse League. The organization has maintained its commitment to building a competitive roster through the draft process and player acquisitions. While championship titles have not yet been secured, the franchise remains focused on developing talent and competing at the highest level of professional field lacrosse.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2024–Present)
The California Redwoods enter the 2025 season with an established operational framework and a clear commitment to competing for championships in the Premier Lacrosse League. The franchise’s base in San Diego provides access to strong youth and collegiate lacrosse markets in Southern California, creating potential for local talent development and fan engagement. The team’s partnership with Torero Stadium offers a dedicated home venue for hosting league events and building community connections.
General manager Joe Spallina oversees roster construction and player personnel decisions, while head coach Anthony Kelly leads the coaching staff and day-to-day team preparation. The organization continues to participate in the PLL’s college draft and entry draft processes to add talent that can contribute immediately and develop into future contributors. This strategic approach to player acquisition reflects the franchise’s long-term vision for sustained competitiveness.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
The California Redwoods organization emphasizes building a balanced team capable of competing across all facets of the game. The franchise prioritizes player development and creating a culture of accountability and teamwork. At the professional level of the Premier Lacrosse League, the team focuses on strategic execution, disciplined defense, and consistent offensive production to secure victories against fellow PLL clubs.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
The franchise’s most significant milestones include the 2019 launch as a PLL founding franchise, the roster building achieved through the 2020 entry draft, and the 2024 rebranding as the California Redwoods with San Diego as the official home market. The team’s homecoming weekend at Torero Stadium in 2024 marked the first official event under the new California Redwoods branding. The franchise continues to work toward its first championship title in the Premier Lacrosse League.
California Redwoods Achievements and Results
Through its seasons of competition in the Premier Lacrosse League, the California Redwoods have established themselves as a competitive franchise without securing championship titles to date. The organization has participated in multiple playoff appearances and postseason competitions since its founding in 2019.
Premier Lacrosse League Achievements
The California Redwoods have competed in all PLL seasons since the league’s inaugural 2019 campaign. While the franchise has not captured a championship title, the team has participated in playoff competition and postseason tournaments throughout its history. The PLL award winners associated with the franchise recognize individual excellence in categories including Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Face-Off Athlete of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year, Leadership, Teammate of the Year, and Humanitarian Service.
Conference Achievements
The Premier Lacrosse League operates as a single league without formal conferences, with all eight teams competing directly against one another throughout the tour-based season. The California Redwoods’ competitive record against fellow PLL clubs reflects the parity and competitive balance that characterizes professional field lacrosse at this level.
Divisional Achievements
The PLL does not organize teams into divisions, with all franchises competing within a unified league structure. The California Redwoods’ achievements are measured through overall season performance, playoff qualification, and postseason advancement rather than divisional standings.
Series Achievements
As a participant in the Premier Lacrosse League’s tour-based model, the California Redwoods compete in regular-season games, playoff tournaments, and championship weekend events. The franchise continues to pursue its first championship title while building on its competitive foundation established since the 2019 inaugural season.
