CHARLOTTE, N.C. - “It's like hockey on grass.” That's how lacrosse lovers explain their sport to newbies. Fast paced, high scoring and energetic, lacrosse is exploding in popularity.

CMS already has about ten school teams. Union County schools have teams, too. Also popping up: leagues like Carolina Select, that's only been around for about a year but already seen tremendous success. "It's pretty much grown from nothing to about 600 kids,” says co-founder and coach Ken Fasanaro. He played lacrosse at Duke. He says it's North Carolina's college programs that helped us attract the pro team, instead of another city like Atlanta.

Fasanaro, "I think what's helped us in the prevalence of college teams. The ACC teams, UNC, Duke, Limestone locally, and other programs that are developed locally."

Charlotte's pro team, expected to take the field for the first time in May 2012, will play most of their games at Memorial Stadium. Columbus, Ohio will also get a team, expanding the now six team league to eight.

Experts say the sport, traditionally played in the northeast, has blossomed in the south over the past five years. "There have been a lot of people that have come down to the south from the north east that have brought their love and passion for the sport with them,” says Jim McPhilliamy, a Major League Lacrosse organizer.

Kim Fasanaro is a lacrosse mom and Weddington resident. Three of her four kids play and she loves to see how the sport has helped shape their character. "It teaches them discipline, respect, part of the team, you know, it gives them a work ethic,” she says.

While pro sports are nothing new to Charlotte, lacrosse lovers say this pro team will be different because the professional players know they are still growing their sport. "The athletes interact with their fans, they're great great athletes, very down to earth,” promises McPhilliamy.

We'll know this summer what the team's name will be, what their uniforms will look like and what their logo will be, too.