Mike McDonnell joins the Virginia Wesleyan University men’s lacrosse staff as an Assistant Coach, bringing a decade of specialized experience in faceoff development, player consulting, and high-level competitive play. Serving as the program’s Faceoff Coach, McDonnell adds technical expertise, international playing experience, and a proven track record of developing athletes across all levels of the game.
A four-year letterman at the University of Michigan, McDonnell competed in the Big Ten against some of the strongest faceoff units in the country, gaining first hand experience in elite-level technique, preparation, and game strategy. His playing career extends onto the international stage as a current member of the Irish National Team, where he continues to compete and train at the highest levels of global lacrosse.
Off the field, McDonnell has spent more than ten years consulting with and coaching athletes and programs throughout the Washington, D.C. metro area. His work spans youth, high school, and collegiate levels, contributing to the technical growth and competitive success of numerous programs.
In 2021, McDonnell founded the Free Play Academy, an innovative development platform built on ecological dynamics (EcoD) principles and constraint-led approach (CLA) methodology. His coaching philosophy emphasizes decision-making, adaptability, and creating representative learning environments—equipping athletes with the tools to perform in dynamic, real-game situations.
McDonnell brings to Virginia Wesleyan a deep commitment to player development, technical excellence at the faceoff position, and a forward-thinking coaching approach grounded in modern skill acquisition science. His blend of high-level playing experience and evidence-based coaching methodology makes him a valuable addition to the Marlins’ staff.
