Orlando Family Testimonial

September 3, 2023 by MJ

Testimonial to Mike Acee

Professionalism, honesty and integrity are words that best describe coach Mike Acee. His passion for the game of lacrosse and his commitment to young athletes is evident and consistent. His encouraging yet firm coaching style sets him apart as an exemplary lacrosse “educator”. Coach Mike truly “leads by example” with humility and passion for the game. Mike’s influence on young athletes both on and off the field is stellar.

Coach Acee made our son Gianni’s college lacrosse recruiting process a true pleasure. He demonstrated swift follow-up while acting as a true liaison between Gianni and the US Air Force Academy coaches. Mike handled every detail with care and remained mindful of all appropriate recruiting etiquette and protocol.

Our family cannot truly express our unending gratitude to coach Mike for all he has done and we are looking forward to attending future events with the 212 family. The core group of 212 families has been warm and welcoming. These events are filled with laughter and excitement. The “true” spirit of the game of lacrosse is apparent. We are so pleased that our sons are a part of this organization. They are encouraged to play the sport they love and they are also building friendships and memories that will last for a lifetime.

Gianni Orlando – D1 Commit

-Tonya and Bobby Orlando

Bauer Family Testimonial: Our 212 Journey

September 2, 2023 by MJ

Dylan Bauer – (John’s Hopkins University Commit)

My family has been a part of Mike’s 212 lacrosse program since 2010 in Park City. This program was established to address a void in the club experience here in Utah. Despite previous fleeting attempts by other organizations, 212 has remained a steadfast presence, catering to Utah’s youth players. The scarcity of coaches possessing Mike’s credentials and connections in this region makes his continued commitment to the program much more fortunate.

Having personally coached at the youth level for a decade and played a substantial role in overseeing the PC boys’ program for nearly as long, I often find myself fielding inquiries about lacrosse clubs. Notably, parents seek guidance on navigating the sport amidst the many expensive options available today. While I don’t possess all-encompassing answers, I believe a crucial starting point lies in distinguishing between mere game-playing and comprehensive training. The summer training sessions hosted in Park City have undeniably facilitated my son’s development of skills and field awareness that extend beyond the scope of spring ball. A testament to the efficacy of this training emerged in last night’s High School State Semi-Final game, which showcased approximately ten players who had dedicated significant time to summer training under Mike’s guidance. These individuals assumed starting positions and often comprised the core of their respective teams. When juxtaposed with the costs associated with participating in a three-day tournament with any other club, the value of Mike’s training becomes evident.

Moreover, Mike has played an invaluable role in my son’s pursuit of a college lacrosse career. He has consistently advocated for Dylan and has adeptly mediated with interested schools. His familiarity with numerous prominent Division I coaches, despite our location in Utah, speaks volumes about his network.

In an era when many national club coaches strive to secure college placements for many players, it is reassuring to have a local coach who dedicates his attention to a select few—a mere dozen kids at a time.

Beyond his on-field focus, Mike’s commitment to broader issues has garnered my admiration for years. His efforts to shed light on health challenges faced by former players serve as a poignant reminder that lacrosse transcends the confines of a mere game.

The foundation established within the 212 program continues to benefit my son as he progresses in his lacrosse journey.

Sincerely,
Greg Bauer

05/2017

Player Testimonial: Air Force Commit A. Meyer

September 1, 2023 by MJ

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I’ve had the distinct privilege of working under Mike Acee in the 212 Lacrosse program, an experience that has profoundly influenced both my skill set and perspective on life. Mike is not only an extraordinary mentor, but he’s also become a treasured friend, offering invaluable wisdom on and off the lacrosse field.

Mike founded 212 Lacrosse out of a pure love for the sport, aiming to educate young players like myself on the nuances of the game while emphasizing the joy it can bring. His contagious enthusiasm has inevitably transferred to us players, encouraging us to constantly strive for excellence. Mike also instilled in me the importance of work ethic, encapsulated in his mantra to “leave your ego at the door.” In both life and lacrosse, nothing worth having comes easily; it requires dedication, grit, and a hundred percent commitment to self-improvement.

My experience with Mike transformed me from a struggling freshman into a considerably more skilled player. Unlike any other coach I’ve encountered, Mike devoted his attention to my weaknesses, orchestrating practices at 212 Lacrosse that were tailored to individual improvement. While other programs often opt for a one-size-fits-all approach, featuring large drills that lack personalized coaching, Mike’s program is committed to detail and individual growth.

What sets 212 Lacrosse apart even further is its approach to tournaments. We play not merely to win, but to truly engage with the sport, unburdened by the stress of making mistakes. While winning is gratifying, Mike places the highest value on the personal enjoyment and development of each player. This unique philosophy has made 212 Lacrosse an extraordinary program to be a part of.

Sincerely,
Alec Meyer

212 Hall of Fame Coach Fred Acee

August 18, 2023 by MJ

Fred Acee

Mike’s father, the renowned coach Fred Acee, has joined forces with 212 Lacrosse as a consultant and head of curriculum. Having retired in 2009, Acee boasts over four decades of coaching expertise. With a career record of 350-223-1, he led Air Force as head coach from 1998 to 2008 before concluding his tenure with administrative duties in his final year. Notable achievements during his time with the Falcons include an upset victory against ninth-ranked conference rival Notre Dame in 2006 and a historic win against reigning national champion Virginia at the outset of the 2004 season. This victory marked the Falcons’ inaugural triumph over a top-ranked team.

Prior to his time at the Academy, Acee, a 1963 graduate of Cortland State, spent 30 years as the lacrosse coach at SUNY-Farmingdale. Under his guidance, the Rams secured three NJCAA championships and reached 25 Final Fours. Acee received the NJCAA Coach of the Year accolade on four occasions (1977, 1981, 1987, and 1997). Over his extensive career, he achieved numerous honors, including inductions into the IMLCA Hall of Fame, the Long Island Metropolitan Hall of Fame, the Junior College Lacrosse Hall of Fame, and the SUNY Cortland C Club Hall of Fame. He played a role as the defensive coach for the U.S. lacrosse team that clinched the world championship in 1994 and served as the head coach for the South team at the North/South All-Star Game in 2002. Acee was recognized as the Howdy Myers Man of the Year by the USILA in 2001, and in 2007, he received both the USILA’s Frenchy Julien Service Award and the IMLCA Creators Award.

Fred takes immense pride in his three children: Andreana, Paulette, and Mike. Furthermore, he is a doting grandfather to five beautiful grandchildren: Sara, Michael, Paige, Kayla, and Ella.