Meet Our Coaches

Wade Birch is a product of 212 Lacrosse in every sense of the word. He came through the 212 system learning the fundamentals, the culture, and the standard that defines this program — and he now returns to the field as a coach, bringing that same foundation directly to the next generation of 212 players.

Highlights

• Four-year varsity midfielder at Park City High School (5A)
• Named team captain for the 2026 Miners — one of three captains selected by coaching staff
• Named a "player to watch" by the Deseret News in the 2026 5A preseason preview
• Standout senior night performance: 3 goals, 2 assists (5 total points) in a 13–3 victory
• Recognized for stellar play leading Park City to the 2026 State Championship semifinals
• Graduate of the 212 Lacrosse program under Director Mike Acee

Sam Gould is the kind of offensive weapon that coaches build game plans around. A highly skilled, dynamic playmaker equally dangerous at attack and midfield, Sam developed his craft in the 212 system and carried it into a standout multi-year varsity career at Park City High School — one of the most competitive 5A programs in the Mountain West.

Highlights

• Multi-year varsity attack / midfielder at Park City High School (5A)
• Named a "player to watch" by the Deseret News in the 2026 5A preseason preview
• Highly skilled, dynamic offensive playmaker — effective at both attack and midfield
• Part of a Park City program that competed in the UHSAA State Championships in 2023, 2024, and 2025
• Competed alongside multiple 212-trained All-State and All-American honorees
• Graduate of the 212 Lacrosse program under Director Mike Acee

Max Gordon is one of the finest goalkeepers to come through the 212 program — and his numbers back it up. He anchored one of the most dominant defensive units in Utah 5A lacrosse, earned recognition from coaches and media statewide, and earned a collegiate roster spot at Westminster University, where he will compete at the NCAA Division II level.

Highlights

• Committed to Westminster University — NCAA Division II, Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC)
• Senior starting goalkeeper, Park City High School Miners (5A)
• Registered a 61.6% save percentage during the 2026 regular season
• Posted 39 saves in a single game vs. East High School — more than double the national average of 18
• Named first on the "players to watch" list in the Deseret News 2026 5A preseason preview
• Described as "a brick wall in the cage" by Utah Lax Report prior to state playoffs
• Anchored a Park City defense that held multiple opponents to single-digit scores en route to the playoffs
• Graduate of the 212 Lacrosse program under Director Mike Acee

Harper Brent is a four-year 212 alumnus whose career arc embodies the program's mission: develop elite players and shape them into leaders. Named a team captain in his senior year — a distinction earned, not given — and identified by his head coach as one of Park City's most critical defensive contributors, Harper takes his game to Flagler College.

Highlights

• Committed to Flagler College — collegiate lacrosse
• Senior defensive leader and team captain, Park City High School Miners (5A)
• Named team captain for the 2026 season — one of three players selected by head coach Persky
• Named a "player to watch" by Park City head coach for the 2026 season
• Member of the freshman class that won back-to-back UHSAA 5A State Championships (2022–23)
• Featured in Park City Record and Deseret News as a top returning senior for 2026
• Graduate of the 212 Lacrosse program under Director Mike Acee

Elliott Peterson is the 212 program's clearest example of the pipeline working exactly as designed. A 212-trained athlete from his youth years in Park City, Elliott went on to earn a roster spot at Westminster University — a full NCAA Division II lacrosse program — where he continues to compete at the collegiate level.

Highlights

• Active collegiate player — Defense / Long Stick Midfield, Westminster University (NCAA Division II, RMAC)
• #48 on the Westminster Griffins men's lacrosse roster
• 6'1" | 215 lbs — built and trained for physical, high-contact defensive play
• Attended Olympus High School in Salt Lake City, UT — a consistent 5A lacrosse powerhouse
• Committed to Westminster University, NCAA Division II Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
• Graduate of the 212 Lacrosse program under Director Mike Acee