Denver-based 3D Lacrosse recently announced plans to expand their local market teams across the country from 14 to 15 with the addition of 3D Florida.
Currently supporting teams in Boston, New York, Denver, San Diego, and other large metropolitan areas and cities, this move would make their Florida operation their most southern – the next closest being Atlanta.
Heading up 3D Florida is former Tampa resident Mike Ryder. Mike’s history in the area dates back to 2011 when he was hired as the defensive coordinator for the inaugural season of the University of Tampa’s lacrosse program under Rory Whipple. While at UT, Mike also helped coach Tampa Fire’s U19 squad. In 2014 he was picked up by Bill Shatz to help at IMG, heading up the coaching job of the varsity team there as well as offensive coordinator for their national team. Most recently, Mike was Director of 3D Colorado before bringing his talents back to Tampa.
Tampa Lax Report spoke with Mike about this announcement as well as his plans once his move is complete.
“Tampa is where I will be living so naturally, that’s where I will be starting to explore opportunities to introduce 3d to Florida” said Mike.
“I see myself being in Tampa for a long time, so I want to get involved in the local community where I can make a long-term impact.”
Mike said he was really looking forward to reconnecting with old friends as soon as he was back in town. “Getting back in touch with coaches and families that I got to know when I was last in Tampa is something I am looking forward to very much. I also have established new relationships with Tampa area families and players through my role as National Director of Camps” he continued. “So there are many people I want to reconnect with and even more to get to know as 3D Florida gets started on the Sun Coast.”
And while there are not yet concrete plans for a home base for 3D Florida, Mike’s home in Tampa keeps plenty of options open in the Bay area. “I anticipate running programs in many areas of the bay. Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota Counties all have strong lacrosse players and youth organizations.”
What we expect to see from this move are training opportunities from a top-notch organization as well as tournament opportunities. 3D Lacrosse will be offering The Sol Games in Orlando for girls lacrosse in mid-November, followed by the Tropical Thaw, which will be a boys event taking over the dates in late December opened up by the departure of the Dick’s Tournament of Champions.
In addition to getting 3D Florida off the ground, Mike will also continue as 3D Lacrosse’s National Camps Director as well as continue his work with the STX Rising Showcase Series.
More info from 3D Lacrosse on this announcement can be found in their press release.
