Utah Archers Overview
The Utah Archers are a professional field lacrosse team based in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, competing in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). Founded in 2019 as one of the six founding members of the PLL, the team plays its home games at Zions Bank Stadium located in Herriman, Utah. The organization has undergone a name evolution, operating as Archers Lacrosse Club from 2019 through 2023 before rebranding to Utah Archers in 2024. Under the leadership of head coach Chris Bates, the Archers have established themselves as a dominant force in professional lacrosse, winning back-to-back PLL championships in 2023 and 2024. The team has developed a reputation for cultivating elite talent, with key players including Tom Schreiber, Grant Ament, and Graeme Hossack contributing to the club’s competitive presence since its inception.
Founding and Organizational Origins
The Utah Archers were established in 2019 when the Premier Lacrosse League launched as a new professional field lacrosse league in the United States. The league was founded with six inaugural teams, with the Archers representing the Utah market and the broader Intermountain West region. The founding of the PLL marked a significant development in professional lacrosse, creating a consolidated summer league that brought together top players from across the country under a single umbrella.
The organization’s early structure focused on building a competitive roster through the PLL’s entry draft system. The 2020 Entry Draft, held on March 16, allowed teams to select players arriving from the rival Major League Lacrosse. The draft lottery selection process gave teams varying odds based on their priority status, with the Archers receiving 10 balls out of 100 total. A total of 14 players were selected in that entry draft, with remaining new players entering the league player pool. This draft mechanism helped establish the initial competitive balance across the league’s founding teams.
Growth Into Premier Lacrosse League Competition
Entering the PLL in 2019 as a founding franchise, the Archers began building their organizational infrastructure and roster composition. The team participated in the college draft each year, selecting emerging talent from NCAA programs nationwide. These annual drafts became a critical pipeline for developing the roster and building competitive depth across multiple seasons.
The organization’s growth trajectory showed steady improvement as player development programs matured and coaching strategies evolved under Chris Bates’ leadership. The team invested in building a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest levels of professional lacrosse while establishing connections with the Utah lacrosse community through home games at Zions Bank Stadium.
Utah Archers Competitive Journey
The Utah Archers’ competitive journey spans from their inaugural 2019 season through the present day, encompassing five-plus years of PLL competition. The team evolved from an expanding franchise into a championship-caliber organization, culminating in back-to-back league titles in 2023 and 2024. This progression reflects the maturation of the roster, strategic player acquisitions, and the development of a winning culture under consistent coaching leadership.
Early Seasons and Development (2019–2022)
During the 2019 through 2022 seasons, the Utah Archers focused on building their foundation as a professional franchise. The team participated in multiple college drafts, selecting players from top NCAA programs to develop the pipeline of talent. These early seasons provided valuable experience for both emerging players and the organization as a whole as it established its identity within the league.
The franchise used these developmental years to cultivate key players who would become central figures in later championship runs. The coaching staff, led by Chris Bates, worked to implement systems and strategies that would define the team’s competitive approach. Home games at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman helped establish a local fan base and provided a home-field advantage.
Breakthrough in Premier Lacrosse League (2023–Present)
The 2023 season marked the Utah Archers’ breakthrough moment in the Premier Lacrosse League. The team posted an impressive 8–2 regular-season record and secured the number one seed entering the playoffs. This exceptional performance culminated in the franchise’s first PLL championship, as the Archers defeated the Waterdogs 15–14 in the championship game. Team captain Tom Schreiber delivered a championship-winning performance and was awarded the league MVP honor for his outstanding play throughout the season.
Following their initial championship success, the organization continued to build on that foundation in 2024. The team secured a second consecutive PLL championship, completing a back-to-back title run that established the Archers as the dominant force in the league. This consecutive championship achievement reflected the sustained excellence of the roster, coaching staff, and organizational infrastructure.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2023–Present)
As of the 2025 season, the Utah Archers operate as a two-time defending PLL champion under the continued leadership of head coach Chris Bates. The organization has refined its roster around proven performers while integrating emerging talent through the college draft. The team maintains its home base at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, Utah, serving as the premier destination for professional lacrosse in the Intermountain West.
The franchise has established itself as a destination organization for top lacrosse talent. Key contributors continue to include established stars alongside developing players who have emerged through the organization’s draft and development system. This combination of experienced veterans and rising talent positions the Archers as strong contenders for continued success in PLL competition.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
The Utah Archers have developed a competitive identity built on strong team defense, disciplined execution, and clutch performance in high-pressure situations. The championship victories, particularly the narrow 15–14 championship win in 2023, demonstrated the team’s ability to perform when the stakes were highest. The organization emphasizes developing well-rounded players capable of contributing across all facets of the game.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
The Utah Archers’ history includes several defining moments that shaped the franchise’s trajectory. The 2023 championship victory over the Waterdogs delivered the franchise’s first major title and validated Tom Schreiber’s MVP campaign. The 2024 championship completed the back-to-back title run, establishing the Archers as the PLL’s premier dynasty. The organization’s evolution from Archers Lacrosse Club to Utah Archers in 2024 marked a new chapter in the franchise’s brand identity and market presence.
Utah Archers Achievements and Results
The Utah Archers have rapidly established themselves as one of the most successful franchises in Premier Lacrosse League history, amassing two PLL championships in just their first six seasons of competition. Both championships came in consecutive years, demonstrating the organization’s sustained excellence and competitive dominance within the league.
Premier Lacrosse League Achievements
The Utah Archers’ PLL achievements center on their two championship victories in 2023 and 2024. The 2023 championship featured an 8–2 regular season, the number one playoff seed, and a 15–14 championship game victory over the Waterdogs with Tom Schreiber earning MVP honors. The 2024 championship completed the back-to-back title run, cementing the franchise’s place among the PLL’s elite organizations. These two championships represent the pinnacle of team success in the Premier Lacrosse League.