College-Prep Academy 2031
Built for the long road. Coached with intention. Development before exposure.
This is not for everyone.
Our Name
Why This Team Exists
I’m a dad first. Like many fathers, I started training and coaching my son simply because he loved to play and showed real athletic ability. Lacrosse became one of the ways we connected—teaching fundamentals, building habits, and learning how effort and character matter over time.
In 2022, as my wife and I explored recreational and club lacrosse options for both our son and daughter across Dauphin and Cumberland counties, I looked closely—not just as a parent, but as someone whose relationship with lacrosse spans centuries of study and tradition. What I found was a disconnect. Recreational programs were largely healthy and accessible, while club lacrosse demanded a tenfold increase in cost without consistently delivering deeper development, stronger coaching structures, or a family-first culture.
College-Prep Academy 2031 exists to restore what club lacrosse was meant to be—relationship-driven, coach-led, and development-focused—while embracing a modern understanding of mental health. Through individualized Lacrosse Performance Plans and Individual Development Plans, we invest in players as people first. The result is a college-prep academy team built for the long road, not the shortcut.
“This team was built the way I coach—intentionally, relationally, and for the long road.” - Coach Mike
What We're Doing Differently
Not louder. Not bigger. Just more intentional.
Relationship-Based Coaching
We coach players as people first. Trust is built over time through consistency, honesty, and presence. The journey includes both highs and hard moments, and we walk alongside our players through all of it—because growth happens in real life, not just on the field.
Family-First Culture
We value parents as partners in their child’s growth. Schedules are shared clearly by August 1, and individualized 1-on-1 training with the head coach is included and coordinated around family needs.
Our training incorporates cognitive-behavioral principles that support focus, resilience, and emotional growth.
Standards Over Shortcuts
Our commitment is to players as people first. Progress is earned through consistency and commitment, not promised through branding. Every decision is guided by clear standards, integrity, and a commitment to people over profit.
Smaller Rosters, Deeper Coaching
Intentional roster sizes allow our coaches to truly know each player. We collaborate with other sport and recreational coaches, observe players in different environments, and use game film to support well-rounded development.
Development Before Exposure
We don’t chase hype or rankings. Instead, we invest in fundamentals, decision-making, and confidence—knowing that opportunity follows preparation. Development is reinforced through a mix of team practices, 1-on-1 training, and small-group work.
Lacrosse Concierge Approach
Our academy club includes yearly sticks, balls, and stringing, while actively guiding families through the lacrosse journey with clarity, context, and support beyond practices and games.
Experienced Coaching, Not Layered Management
Players are coached by an experienced head coach, not managed through layers of directors or diluted into rec-style instruction.
“Selling the Movement”
— R. V. Truitt, Founding Coach, University of Maryland Lacrosse
Michael J. Burns - Head Coach & Founder
Coach Mike
Hometown: Kent Island, MD
High School: Queen Anne’s County
College: Whittier College
Coaching Experience: NCAA-level competition, including tournament experience; decades of player development and leadership
Why I Coach & How I Lead
For families who want a deeper understanding of who I am and how I approach coaching, two short videos are available.
The first video explains why coaching is personal for me. I lost my father at a young age after his service as a Vietnam veteran. Other men stepped in during my life and helped fill that role, and their presence had a lasting impact on who I became. Today, as a father myself, with the experience and responsibility to lead, I believe stepping up matters—especially when it comes to guiding young people.
The second video shares more about my broader work as a pastor, youth worker, counselor, and community health communicator. In 2023, after being formally diagnosed as autistic (Level 1), I made an intentional career shift. It clarified both how I’m wired and why relational, thoughtful coaching matters so much to me. At this stage of life, my son needs me—and I’ve chosen to bring together everything I’ve learned, built, and been entrusted with to walk alongside him and his teammates, one day at a time, one story at a time.
Coaching Philosophy
I believe great coaching is relational, consistent, and accountable. Players deserve to be taught—not managed—and families deserve clarity, honesty, and a coach who is present through both progress and adversity.
The Journey | Standards & Commitment | Our Difference
The Journey
Our year is intentionally designed to balance development, family life, and other sports—while keeping momentum and connection strong.
Standards & Commitment
Our standards exist to create clarity, protect development, and support long-term growth for players, families, and coaches.
Head Coach–Led Program
Training is led with consistent head coach presence throughout the year. When adjustments are needed, communication with families is proactive and direct.
Smaller Rosters & Roster Continuity
We maintain intentionally smaller rosters so every player is known, coached, and developed. Returning players are not subject to yearly tryouts—if you want to stay and it remains a good fit, you stay. Continuity matters.
Development Before Exposure
We do not chase hype or rankings. Fundamentals, game understanding, and confidence come first. Development is reinforced through team practices, individual 1-on-1 training, and small-group work.
Whole-Player & Whole Health
Players are coached as whole people. In partnership with parents and guardians, we support physical, emotional, and mental well-being while maintaining high standards. Training load and pace are managed intentionally to reduce burnout and support sustainable growth.
Head Coach–Led Program
Training is led with consistent head coach presence throughout the year. When adjustments are needed, communication with families is proactive and direct.
Family Partnership
Parents are partners in the development process, with clear roles that support players and coaches. Communication is direct, respectful, and grounded in shared expectations.
Standards Over Shortcuts
Our commitment is to players as people first. Progress is earned through consistency and commitment, not promised through branding. Decisions are guided by integrity and a commitment to people over profit.
Player—Centered Financial Model
Our financial model is designed to support players and families directly. When resources are generated, they are reinvested into player needs—such as tuition support, additional equipment, and development opportunities—to help reduce financial pressure. A minimal administrative fee is retained, with the majority reinvested back into the Academy Club to support coaching, development, and player care.
Fall Focus
We begin in August with a team meeting for players and parents to align expectations and set the tone for the year. Team practices are scheduled in advance, alongside individualized 1-on-1 and small-group training that flexes around each player’s fall sport schedule. When possible, players train in small regional groups to reduce travel and build local connections. Fall competition includes two tournaments—one in late October and one in early November—serving as checkpoints, not the destination.
Winter Work — The Lab Season
Winter training emphasizes fundamentals, decision-making, and game understanding through indoor sessions and scheduled team practices, creating a stable environment for development.
Spring Balance
During the spring recreational lacrosse season, we largely step back from scheduled team practices. This allows players to stay fully present with their rec teams, school commitments, and families, while applying what they’ve learned in real game environments.
Summer Tests
Summer is where everything comes together. We compete in select weekend tournaments in June and July, paired with a practice rhythm designed to deepen culture and connection. Instead of frequent short sessions, we train twice a week with longer practices that include shared breaks and time together. This structure strengthens relationships, reduces travel strain, and reinforces that development happens both on and off the field.
Lacrosse Conierge
We actively support families throughout the lacrosse journey—providing equipment, guidance, and clear communication beyond practices and games. Our goal is to reduce friction, offer perspective, and help players focus on development while families feel informed and supported.
Next Step: A Conversation
If this approach resonates, the next step is a conversation. We take time to get to know players and families before moving forward—on both sides—to ensure the right fit.
Request an Application by Emailing Coach Mike at mike@burnedbyLax.com
Our process is intentional and relationship-based. There are no open tryouts or pressure to commit. We simply begin with a conversation, answer questions, and share next steps if it makes sense to continue.
We believe strong teams are built through trust, clarity, and shared expectations.