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In the story of 212 Lacrosse, the spotlight naturally falls on our founder, Mike Acee. Yet, Mike would be the first to deflect any attention, humbly acknowledging that his journey is deeply indebted to the wisdom imparted by his father and esteemed coach, the retired Hall of Famer Fred Acee.

Mike also considers himself very fortunate to have been under the mentorship of Willie Scroggs during his time at UNC.

Willie Scroggs is nothing short of a legend in lacrosse. He is particularly renowned for his illustrious coaching career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was head coach of the men’s lacrosse team from 1977 to 1990.

Throughout his tenure, Scroggs meticulously crafted UNC into a lacrosse powerhouse, leading the team to 6 ACC Conference championships and 3 NCAA Tournament Titles. An unwavering dedication to fundamentals, unyielding discipline, and a profound emphasis on teamwork distinguished his coaching ethos.

Under Scroggs’ expert guidance, countless players excelled on the field and blossomed into leaders of character. Beyond his strategic prowess, Scroggs earned universal admiration for his integrity, embodying the highest standards of sportsmanship and commitment to the sport.

The impact of Scroggs’ legacy on lacrosse at UNC and beyond is immeasurable. He played a pivotal role in sculpting the program into one of the most esteemed in the nation. For Mike, the privilege of learning from such a revered figure remains a cherished highlight of his collegiate experience.

Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Park City, Utah, 212 Lacrosse has been privileged to thrive under Mike’s guidance, honed through over thirty years of immersion in the sport. Mike’s personal lacrosse odyssey began in Deer Park, N.Y., where he earned the title of All-American and culminated in a Gold Medal at the New York Empire State Games, representing Team Long Island as its top goal scorer.

Transitioning to the University of North Carolina, Mike contributed to 4 ACC Championships and 1 NCAA National Championship.

Mike’s influence extends deep into the local community. Leading youth recreation teams for Park City and The Waterford School, he amassed an impressive record of 126-36 across seven seasons, guiding his charges to three state championships, a testament to his leadership and dedication.

Under Mike’s stewardship, 212 Lacrosse has flourished, buoyed by a dedicated team whose collective efforts have yielded 363 victories and 85 losses. The program has secured 38 tournament championships, including titles at the West’s largest and most competitive tournaments. Moreover, the program’s commitment to nurturing talent is underscored by 91 players who have secured college lacrosse commitments.

The ethos of 212 Lacrosse transcends competition; it manifests compassion and solidarity. Each tournament serves as a platform for victory and honors the families of Mike’s former North Carolina teammates who have encountered adversity. This ethos propels 212 Lacrosse to extend a helping hand through donations to support these families and others facing challenges.

After completing his academic journey at UNC, Mike ventured westward to San Francisco, where he spent eight years before heeding the call of Park City’s majestic peaks in 2005. Embracing his dual passions for coaching and the mountains, Mike also dedicated himself to sharing the joy of snowboarding as a Level 3 certified instructor and staff trainer at Park City Mountain Resort until 2014, when he redirected his focus solely to lacrosse and other meaningful endeavors.

As we mark a decade and a half of 212 Lacrosse’s existence, we’re reminded that our journey is defined not by accolades but by the profound growth, community engagement, and unwavering pursuit of excellence that have become our hallmarks.

Coaching Certifications

• USA Lacrosse
• AASI