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Welcome Mackenzie & Mi Elite!

We are excited to announce that MLXA is teaming up with Mackenzie Lawler and the club Mi Elite! Mi Elite will now operate as MLXA with Mackenzie Lawler at the helm as the MLXA Girls Director.

Our team of Anna Curcuru, Meghan Datema, and Mackenzie Lawler are excited to work together and grow lacrosse across Michigan. Since lacrosse has played a prominent role in each of these women’s lives, they are passionately sharing the love of the game, knowledge, and experience with young women in our area. Many years ago, lacrosse brought this trio together and they can’t wait to put their years of experience to work.

Mackenzie Lawler, MLXA Girls Director, and former MI Elite Director says, “After building Mi Elite Lacrosse as the owner and director for the last ten years, I am incredibly excited about our merge with MLXA to create the premier girls' lacrosse club in Michigan. The resources of their full-time administrative staff and beautiful facilities, combined with our top-level coaching and mentorship, will provide an amazing experience for girls lacrosse players in Michigan. It has always been my goal in starting Mi Elite to grow the game in Michigan as well as provide a platform for the best players in the state to be represented on a national scale. This merger will allow for this goal to become a reality and help change the scope of girls lacrosse in Michigan.”

As the Director, Mackenzie has always felt it is important to find not only great coaches but more importantly high character role models when involved in coaching youth sports.  In the office, Anna Curcuru has been a dedicated and tireless administrator that will allow the program to grow in the years to come. On the field, Meghan Datema’s passion for coaching is apparent as she creates relationships with athletes that allow her experience and knowledge to help grow athletes to their full potential.  With Mackenzie, Anna, Meghan, and the other Mi Elite coaches who will be joining the program, we are confident we will provide a wonderful lacrosse experience and help mentor young female athletes.  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Will Mackenzie Lawler be involved?  

Absolutely. Mackenzie will serve as the Girls Lacrosse Director and oversee all aspects of the girls’ program. 

Who will be coaching?  

We will have a very experienced and diverse coaching staff join the MLXA team. This will include previous MLXA and Mi Elite coaches and athletes as well as current D1, D2, D3, and NAIA athletes. Our coaching philosophy is to have our mission will be to educate and coach mi players who have played and coached and been in these girls shoes.  

What does the season look like? 

Our convenient summer schedule allows for athletes and families to enjoy MI summers while still playing lacrosse. All practices will the week leading up to the tournament to provide two full weeks off. This allows athletes the opportunities to attend and visit colleges, travel, and spend time with family and friends! We are attending tournaments with competition to meet each team level.  

Will there still be an Okemos program?  

Practices will be held in both Okemos and Grand Rapids for the regional program. Both locations will be under the direction of Mackenzie Lawler and have the same practice plan. 

What is the difference between National and Regional Teams?  

The National teams will travel to the East Coast and play a very competitive schedule. This track is designed for athletes serious about the sport, willing to commit the time to year-round training, and looking to play D1 or D2 college lacrosse. The regional teams will stay in the Midwest and focus on skill development better preparing athletes for their school seasons.  

Will there be year-round opportunities for my athlete?  

We are thrilled to offer year-round training for our athletes outside of team practices. These will include training sessions, camps, and college recruiting camps. Since we have our own state-of-the-art facilities, we can run camps year–round on turf fields!