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About The Lehigh Valley Lacrosse Academy

Lehigh Valley Lacrosse Academy is dedicated to providing top-quality training, coaching, and other lacrosse services in the Lehigh Valley, PA area. Our mission is to help players of all levels improve their skills, achieve their goals, and develop a deep love for the game. We are committed to offering personalized training programs and fostering a supportive learning environment for all our athletes.

Meet Our Coaches

Coach Mike Bender

Co-Founder / Lead Coach

Coach Mike Bender is a highly experienced lacrosse player and coach; with a proven track record of developing players to reach their full potential. He is dedicated to helping anyone build their skills, confidence, and strategic understanding of the game.

Playing Accolades 

  • Eastern Pennsylvania Player of the Year (2010)
  • Played Division 1at University of Maryland - National Championship Appearance (2015)
  • Drafted professionally to play in the MLL (2020)

COaching 

  • USA Lacrosse Certified Coach (Level 3)

  • Parkland High School Head Coach (2019-2022) 

  • Hong Kong National Team Assistant Coach (2015-2019)

  • Lehigh Valley Youth All-Star Team Head Coach (2022)

  • Director of the HEADstrong Lacrosse Club (2015-2024) 

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Coach Dawn Cipolla

Lead Coach

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Dawn Cipolla is a former Division I athlete and championship-winning coach with decades of experience in lacrosse. A standout at Temple University, she excelled in both field hockey and lacrosse, later channeling her passion into coaching and youth development. As founder of SPA Girls Lacrosse and former head coach at Parkland High School, she has left a lasting impact on the sport at every level.

Playing Accolades 

  • Division I athlete in Field Hockey and Lacrosse at Temple University

  • NCAA Lacrosse Champion (1988)

  • NCAA Final Four appearance all four years (Lacrosse)

  • Inducted into the Temple University Hall of Fame (2012, with team)

COaching 

  • Founder of SPA Girls Lacrosse (2007)

  • Head Varsity Coach, Parkland High School (2015–2021)

  • 4× District Champion (Parkland HS)

  • 4× EPC Champion (Parkland HS)

  • Morning Call Coach of the Year

  • Lehigh Valley Coach of the Year

Coach Other

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Our coaching staff is made up of former collegiate lacrosse players who are passionate about teaching the game and helping athletes reach their full potential. With experience competing at the NCAA Division I, II, and III levels, our coaches bring a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and playing experience to every lesson. Each coach is committed to creating a positive learning environment while providing personalized instruction that helps players build confidence, improve fundamentals, and elevate their game.

Playing Accolades 

  • Former NCAA Division I, II & III collegiate athletes

  • Years of competitive playing experience

  • Experience competing at the high school, collegiate, and club levels

  • Position-specific expertise across attack, midfield, defense, faceoff, and goalie

COaching 

  • Individualized one-on-one instruction

  • Skill development for players of all ages and ability levels

  • Position-specific training and game strategy

  • Emphasis on fundamentals, lacrosse IQ, and confidence

  • Positive, energetic, and player-focused coaching approach

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