212 Lacrosse

Orlando Family Testimonial

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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

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Dylan Bauer – (John’s Hopkins University Commit)

For over a decade, my family has been an integral part of Mike’s 212 lacrosse program since its inception 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 the youth players of Utah. The scarcity of coaches possessing Mike’s credentials and connections in this region makes his continued commitment to the program all the more fortunate.

Having personally coached at the youth level for a decade and played a substantial role in overseeing the boys’ program for nearly as long, I often find myself fielding inquiries about lacrosse clubs. Particularly, parents seek guidance on navigating the sport amidst the plethora of 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 10 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 where many national club coaches strive to secure college placements for a multitude of players, it is reassuring to have a local coach who dedicates his attention to a select few – a mere half 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 yield benefits for my son as he progresses in his lacrosse journey.

Sincerely,
Greg Bauer

Player Testimonial: Air Force Commit A. Meyer

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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 Testimonial – Lauren Thierry

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Mike Acee was the right coach at the right time for my son, Luke.

We were not a “lacrosse family.”  But when son Luke was drawn to the sport “late” in his youth (12), we studied up, asked a lot of questions back East, and liked the answers we got about Mike from his Long Island roots, Long Island being a lax hotbed.

Mike welcomed Luke to his lacrosse family from the get go. With his affable nature yet high standards, he gained Luke’s trust quickly. From there all good things showed up in my son: A solid work ethic, a devotion, and a passion to achieve at a high level. The experience would go on to inform his approach to all athletics, friend selection, academics and beyond.

Mike covers it all: old school reps combined with new techniques that made each player responsible for his own success, and by extension, the team’s success.  Mike seems to pull from all the playbooks, switching out as necessary. I saw it kept the team on its toes, and anyone wanting to learn the “why” behind his directives was patiently and enthusiastically debriefed.

Mike’s 212 culture is the stuff of a Hollywood movie:  A brotherhood that pushed them forward to tourneys throughout the West. When 212 would walk onto a field (Sandstorm in Palm Springs comes to mind), it was like a movie voiceover saying, “The Competition Has Arrived.”

Mike can create that, drawing that delicate balance of “I’m your coach. I am not your friend. Even though I like you guys a hell of a lot.”

It’s not easy to walk that line, but Acee does it, with his team and with the parents sitting in those folding chairs.

Mike is always willing to discuss a play, a position, a decision. He could bring it down to how my kid fit into those decisions, but was still always willing to hear me out.

Turns out… (hate to say it), Mike was always right.  If being right means that my kid is now a strong, confident, coachable college-lacrosse bound young man, who just happens to be happiest when he is on the lax turf.

Thanks Mike!

-Lauren Thierry
Mom of Luke

212 Testimonial – Marc Billanti

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We relocated to Park City in 2012, and my son Vince, then a kindergartner, enrolled in Mike’s 212 Lacrosse summer training program. Over the past seven years, Vince has consistently participated each summer, transforming from an enthusiastic youngster to a highly skilled lacrosse player with an elevated Lax IQ, all under Mike’s tutelage. Mike’s approach to coaching is both candid and insightful, offering Vince constructive feedback that has been instrumental in taking his game to the next level.

As a lacrosse coach in Park City myself, what sets the 212 program apart is its exceptional value. In today’s landscape, with an overwhelming number of club teams and camps to choose from, parents often inquire about my recommendations. Before investing in travel club teams or expensive camps, it is essential that players develop strong technical stick skills and on-field awareness. The 212 program excels in these areas.

I frequently attend workouts each summer at Jeremy Ranch to observe Mike and his coaching staff’s methodology. The training sessions are both fun and intensive, emphasizing attention to detail and high repetition. This disciplined approach undoubtedly contributes to the players’ development, which becomes evident in games and tournaments as they mature.

It is exhilarating to witness the growth of my son and his teammates, many of whom have been with 212 Lacrosse since their early years. They are continuing Park City’s legacy of producing excellent high school and college lacrosse athletes. My heartfelt thanks to Mike and his team for their unwavering dedication, and I eagerly anticipate the exciting journey that lies ahead.

Sincerely,
Marc Billanti

 

Paige Pierce Testimonial

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Grant Pierce Signs National Letter of Intent

The only time I cried today was when Grant was speaking with you (and right now) because — and I know I have said it before, but this is what the truth is — you changed the course of Grant’s life. Without you the handshake today between Richie & Grant would not have happened, nor would all of the other offers he has received. That’s just the plain, simple truth, Mike. When you two were talking today it all washed over me — all of the hours you spent with him, with ME (helping me in every way), all of the overwhelming work Grant put in over these years, all of the other coaches who never believed in him, and the one man who did — YOU! And all of the love you have given Grant along the way. You are an amazing man and both Grant & I will love you forever, Mike.

-Paige Pierce