Matt Cassalia brings more than 20 years of playing, coaching, and developing lacrosse athletes to the True Florida program, where he helps lead program vision, player development, coach mentorship, and recruiting relationships across the state.
Cassalia learned the game under legendary head coach Mike Messere at West Genesee High School (NY), helping the Wildcats capture two New York State Championships. A Top 10 nationally ranked recruit, he began his collegiate career at Loyola University before finishing at LeMoyne College, where he was part of four NCAA National Championship teams — two as a player, two as an assistant coach. He went on to compete at the sport’s highest level, playing professionally for the San Francisco Dragons and the Rochester Rattlers.
His coaching career spans the collegiate, club, and international levels, including leading programs throughout Florida and serving with Puerto Rico Lacrosse. Cassalia has built and directed club programs from the ground up, guiding hundreds of athletes while emphasizing character, leadership, teamwork, and long-term growth on and off the field.
Cassalia coaches to the fundamentals: skill, confidence, lacrosse IQ, and work ethic. He develops the whole player inside a competitive, positive environment — challenging athletes to reach their potential while building a lifelong passion for The Creator’s Game. At True Florida, he works alongside Kenny Hill and the leadership staff to bring the state together, raise the standard, and create a true pathway from the local level to the national stage.
