Coach Haven joined the coaching staff of FCA Upstate Lacrosse in the fall of 2021. He grew up playing lacrosse in Syracuse, NY. Haven got his first ever stick when he was 7 years old which was custom dyed with his name on it! After high school, Haven went on to play collegiate lacrosse at Canisius College. 

Since graduating from Canisius, Haven has coached a number of different teams and organizations. Some of the coaching experience Mike brings to FCA was as a High School coach at St. Francis and as a college coach at Canisius College alongside Coach Randy Mearns. 

While at St. Francis the team held 28 game winning streak, won two Monsignor Martin Association titles, two New York Private School Championships, a Western New York League title, and achieved a ranking of 14th in New York State. While at Canisius College Mike oversaw the defense. He still enjoys playing every year in Lake Placid.

Haven adds, “The best part about being a coach is seeing the kids get challenged and then rise to the occasion.” Some of his proudest moments in coaching so far was seeing his players receive scholarships to play in college. Coaching at FCA has given Haven an opportunity to not only coach a high level of lacrosse, but also teach the athletes how to be better men and Christians. In his spare time, Haven serves on the board of the Buffalo Police Athletic League. This league is yet another way he helps kids fall in love with lacrosse like he did.

“Mike’s passion for the game and passion to coach the defensive side of the ball is evident. The energy and attitude he brings to the FCA coaching staff is infectious. I see how the players respect him and love having him be a part of the coaching staff. One of the toughest things as a coach in my opinion is to coach in a way that we get the most out of our players, but the kids have a blast doing it, Mike has that.” – Sol Bliss, Director