Mike,

Mike, you have been such a positive influence in Talbot’s lacrosse and life that we don’t know if words can do you justice. Thank you so much! The coaches that our son had in the past were quick to point out what he was doing wrong in a play or game, but did not teach him the skills necessary to help him become the player that he could and wanted to be. Mike Acee changed the way our son approaches the game and has elevated his play to put him on track to attain his goal of playing at the Collegiate level. Mike gets great results from his players through positive, constructive coaching. My son respects and looks up to Mike both on and off the field. Mike’s approach to developing not only great lacrosse players, but young men of character, helps drive my son to achieve goals in school, our community, and on his high school varsity team. There is no doubt that our son is a starting varsity attack, as a freshman, because of his play on 212 and his lessons with Mike Acee. The quality of instruction given by Mike absolutely propelled our son to the next level of play that was necessary to bridge that gap between middle school and high school. We look forward to the coming high school years and our son’s continued development under Mike’s coaching. -Michael and Melissa Child

The day we found Mike Acee is the day our son’s dream of playing D1 lacrosse transitioned from being a possibility to being a probability. We had spent years looking for the right coach for our son and within fifteen minutes of Grant playing for Mike we knew we’d finally found our man. Mike’s indomitable spirit, energy, and optimism are infectious and all of his players really respond to his personality and style. Mike possesses a clarity of purpose and is able to easily and naturally train that focus into his players. He has taught Grant new skills, kept him focused on what he needs to be focused on (grades, diet, sleep, film, conditioning, and having FUN), and has taken Grant’s play to the next level. Mike has been a constant source of inspiration, motivation, encouragement and support to Grant along the way; what a powerful thing it is for a player to have their coach BELIEVE in them. It is making all the difference for and to Grant. Mike has also helped us navigate the rough and unfamiliar terrain of the college recruiting process, which is no small feat. Mike has the strategies to translate a talented player’s dream of playing high level D1 lacrosse into a reality – when it comes to coaching he’s the real deal. Beyond that, and even more importantly, Mike is a man of character and integrity – we’re so thankful he is in our son’s life, influencing him.

-Paige Pierce

Another player from Utah has joined the ranks of an NCAA D-I commit when Grant Pierce committed to Furman University in South Carolina earlier this week.

Perhaps the biggest influence for Pierce was Mike Acee, 212 Lacrosse founder.

“The very first person, the man who changed the course of my life, is Mike Acee,” said Pierce. “Coach Acee has been my private coach for the past three years and not only did he change every part of my game, but he really believed in me and never wavered. Coach Acee has made a huge difference in my life both on the field and off and not only is he my coach, he is my friend.” – Grant Pierce”

-Grant Pierce

We have been fortunate enough to have our girls work with Mike in numerous capacities: as their team coach, as their private coach, as their camp and clinic coach and, in our older daughter’s case, as her mentor, as Mike has allowed her to work with him as a volunteer assistant coach, teaching lacrosse to younger girls.Mike’s contributions to Park City lacrosse in general and to our two players in particular have been enormous.  He effectively utilizes positive coaching, and takes the time to discover and nurture the full potential in each player.  He has a unique ability to recognize each player’s individual strengths and to teach them how to capitalize on those strengths.  Mike has taught our girls to want to succeed, and to be willing to put in the work needed to do so.  His style is definitely not “one size fits all,” and he ably motivates and teaches each player in the ways that work best for them.

It’s one thing to be “good” or even “great” at lacrosse, and another to be able to share that skill constructively.  Mike is the embodiment of the lacrosse motto, “Honor the Game.”  He lives it, he truly believes it, and he has the unique gift of being able to share it, and to serve as both role model and coach to players of all ages and abilities.  He is an inspiration both on and off the field, and we value every moment spent with him.

– Lisa & Greg Berglund

On behalf of the Dutkanych family I would like to personally thank you for the time, coaching, and leadership you have provided Carson for the last three years. I have seen and been around many coaches in many sports both as a parent and as an individual. Including having access to many high school and college team coaches with my older son Dillon. Mike you possess all of the characteristics that make you individually, a great coach and leader of young men and women.
Carson is fortunate, because of you he is being considered for opportunities of higher education and playing Lacrosse at the next level be it D-1 to D-3. Carson would never have been afforded these opportunities without your influence in coaching, and your connections, from years of playing D-1 lacrosse at North Carolina.
Mike’s influence with these young men and women gives them a chance to become better student athletes and at the same time better lacrosse players. Thank god we have Mike Acee and 212 Lacrosse in Park City.

Carson Dutkanych Earns D1 Scholarship

– Ted Dutkanych