My name is Bennett Gibbons and I am a current highschool lacrosse athlete committed to play college lacrosse at Colorado Mesa University for the 2024/2025 season and beyond. I met Cole for the first time at a faceoff factory clinic at the end of my sophomore season. At the time I was still very hesitant about my potential to play college lacrosse and often fully dismissed the idea of being able to make a college roster. After meeting Cole I not only was fascinated by his knowledge of the game and the faceoff position but his belief in his players. After that clinic I repeatedly reached out to him asking about technique, what to put in a highlight film, what college coaches look for in a player, and he was always down to help in any way he could. He shared his personal experience as well as the experience of the guys around him to best give me the tools I needed to succeed. Coming from an area that is not a big hot bead of lacrosse and being greatly disadvantaged in the resources I had available he helped me figure things out I couldn't have done on my own.

I had actually wanted to attend CMU for a while but thought that there would be no chance that I would ever be able to make a roster like that so I shifted my focus elsewhere. Many guys were already committed to colleges and had their futures set where I was still completely lost. While searching through possible schools that fit my criteria for the hundredth time CMU kept showing as a top option. Since most of my other options were spent I thought I would give it a shot. So I reached out to the coaches and at first didn’t get any response. Then I texted Cole and asked him about the program, he immediately offered to help me with the coaches and wrote a letter of recommendation. His message led to me getting a phone call from the coaches, and then attending the prospect camp on a scholarship and invited me back to scrimmage with the team a month later.

Cole helped me get my foot through the door at a school I didn’t even acknowledge as a possibility for me. Cole was constantly checking up on me through this process to give me support and confidence to prove what I had to offer. After the scrimmage the coaching staff sat me down and informed me that they would be extending an offer and that I had a spot on their roster if I chose to accept it. I called my parents right after and broke down in tears. Somehow I had just gotten an offer from my number one school that literally only a few months ago I thought was impossible to land an offer with let alone get a response to my emails from. So the moral of the story is my dream of playing at CMU or even college lacrosse would not have been possible without Cole. Even to this day he’s still helping me with my game, mentoring me, and being a big supporter in my journey. So to you Cole, thank you.

I have watched Cole become a amazing mentor for my 2 younger boys. I believe it is crucial to provide guidance, support, and positive influence in their lives. Mentoring has allowed Cole to share his knowledge and experiences with lacrosse and his other life experiences, helping them navigate challenges and make informed decisions. By offering guidance and encouragement, he has inspired my boys to reach their full potential and become confident, compassionate individuals.

One of the most rewarding aspects of mentoring young boys is the opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives. By serving as a role model and providing guidance, he has helped them develop important life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. I believe that investing in the next generation is essential for creating a brighter future, and mentoring allows Cole to contribute to the growth and development of young minds.

In conclusion, his mentoring young boys is a fulfilling experience that allows me to watch him share his knowledge and skills with the next generation. By providing guidance, support, and positive influence, he hope to empower these boys to achieve their goals and become successful individuals. As a mentor, he is always committed to helping these boys navigate challenges and develop essential life skills that will serve them well in the future.

Bill Mumaw - Proud father and lacrosse coach.

Cole has provided coaching to my two sons for over a year, focusing on enhancing their faceoff technique and overall skills in lacrosse. Beyond traditional training, Cole's approach extends to building profound connections with the boys. He offers guidance not only in faceoff techniques but also in navigating high school course selections, preparing for the ACT, and managing the demands of being student-athletes.

Moreover,
Cole has extended his support to our entire family by offering valuable insights on navigating the intricacies of the college recruiting process. From recommending appropriate clinics, camps, and showcases to advising on coach outreach and finding the ideal college to suit our athletes' individual needs, Cole's expertise has proven invaluable. His ability to draw from personal experiences, including his recruitment journey, transfers, and current involvement in the graduate school application process, adds depth and relevance to his guidance.