Michael Thomas Abbott’s illustrious lacrosse career is a testament to both his athletic prowess and his dedication to the sport. A standout from the beginning, Abbott made his mark as a four-year starter and captain at Nottingham High School, where he tallied an impressive 146 goals, and 79 assists, and earned numerous accolades, including being named an All-American in his senior year. His success continued at the collegiate level, where he became a two-time national champion and First Team All-American. Transitioning seamlessly into coaching, Abbott’s influence on the game only grew. He served as an offensive coordinator and face-off coach at multiple prestigious programs, leading teams to championships and coaching numerous All-Americans. Inducted into the Cortland C-Lax Legends Hall of Fame and continuing his coaching career at the University of Pennsylvania, Abbott’s contributions to lacrosse both on and off the field have solidified his place among the sport’s elite.

High School Career

Mike Abbott began his illustrious lacrosse journey at Nottingham High School, where he was a 4-year starter from 1999 to 2002. As captain, Abbott amassed an impressive 146 goals, 79 assists, and 225 points over his high school career. He earned a spot on the Central Empire Team twice (2000, and 2001), winning a silver medal in 2001, and achieved All-American honors during his senior year. Abbott was also selected for the US Lacrosse Nation Senior Boys All-Star game and invited to try out for Team USA’s U-19 squad. His talent earned him multiple accolades, including two First Team All-CNY selections (2001, 2002) and three First Team All-League honors (2000, 2001, 2002). Off the field, Abbott demonstrated leadership as the President of the National Honor Society in 2002.

Collegiate Playing Career

Mike Abbott’s collegiate career was equally impressive, starting at Virginia in 2003 and 2004, where he won a National Championship in 2003. He later transferred to SUNY Cortland, where he played in the 2005 and 2006 seasons. At SUNY Cortland, Abbott led his team to another National Championship in 2006. He was twice named a First Team All-American (2005, 2006), the ECAC Player of the Year (2005), and the SUNYAC Player of the Year (2005). He was also selected to play in the prestigious 2006 North/South All-Star Game. Over his collegiate career, Abbott recorded 83 goals, 31 assists, 114 points, 238 ground balls, and an impressive 58.3% face-off winning percentage (240/412).

Coaching Career at SUNY Cortland

Following his playing career, Abbott transitioned into coaching, returning to SUNY Cortland for five seasons (2007-2011) as the Offensive Coordinator and Face-off Coach. During his tenure, the team won a National Championship in 2009, finished as national runners-up in 2007 and 2008, reached the national semifinals in 2010, and made it to the quarterfinals in 2011. Abbott’s coaching accomplishments were numerous, including mentoring 29 All-Americans, four Division III Positional Players of the Year, and one Division III Player of the Year. Under his guidance, the team set records for most goals in a single season (331 in 2008) and individual records for most goals (58 by Billy Fuchs) and most points (101 by Ryan Heath) in a season. Abbott also coached Chris DeLuca to the best career face-off winning percentage in SUNY Cortland history (68.9%) and the highest single-season percentage (72.2% in 2011). Abbott’s impact was honored in October 2022 when he was inducted into the Cortland C-Lax Legends, both as an individual and as part of the 2006 National Title-winning team.

Coaching Career at Colgate University

Abbott continued his coaching success at Colgate University, serving as Offensive Coordinator and Face-off Coach for seven seasons (2012-2018). He was promoted to Associate Head Coach in 2015, after four seasons as an assistant coach. His leadership helped guide Colgate to an NCAA Quarterfinal appearance in 2012 and NCAA Tournament berths in 2012 and 2015. The team won the Patriot League Tournament Championship in 2015 and the Patriot League Regular Season title in both 2012 and 2015. Abbott’s coaching prowess was evident as he mentored players like Peter Baum, who won the Tewaaraton Award, Lt. Raymond Enners Award, and Patriot League Player of the Year in 2012. He coached seven All-Americans and four Patriot League Rookies of the Year during his tenure. His 2012 offense set numerous records, including most points (365), goals (236), and assists (129), while Baum set individual records for goals (67) and points (97) in a season.

Coaching Career at The University of Pennsylvania

In 2019, Abbott joined the coaching staff at The University of Pennsylvania, where he became the Charles B. Leitner, III Offensive Coordinator and later Associate Head Coach. His impact was immediate, guiding the team to an NCAA Quarterfinal appearance in 2019 and 2022 and Ivy League Tournament Championships in both years. The team also secured the Ivy League Regular Season title in 2019. Abbott’s coaching contributed to the success of Sam Handley, a Tewaaraton Finalist and USILA Midfielder of the Year in 2022, and other standout players. Abbott’s offensive units set records, including most goals in a season (239 in 2019) and individual records for goals in a season (56 by Adam Goldner) and goals in a game (9 by Adam Goldner in 2021).

Personal Life

Michael Thomas Abbott was born to Tom and Lorie Abbott on November 11, 1983, in Syracuse, NY. He is the older brother of Matt and Melissa Abbott and became the fourth member of the Abbott family to be inducted into the Upstate Lacrosse Hall of Fame, following his grandfather Larry (2002), father Tom (2006), and brother Matt (2021). Mike married Kathleen Carmella Rhodes on July 28, 2018, and the couple welcomed their son, Maxwell Armand Abbott, on July 15, 2023. The Abbott family currently resides in Drexel Hill, PA.

Mike Abbott’s legacy as a player and coach has solidified his place among the greats in lacrosse history, contributing to the sport at the highest levels and impacting the lives of countless players.