You Don’t Need to Be a Pro, Just a Dad Who Cares

"Eric's passion for the game of lacrosse is undeniable. He loves the sport and he loves coaching kids. My son Taylor has grown so much in the sport under his guidance. He is patient and understanding something that is hard to do when you’re managing a group of 10 and 11 year olds on a weekly basis. He has created a culture of respect, fun and family. He allows the boys to make mistakes, learn and grow. I can’t thank him enough for everything he’s done for my son and our family. My son’s passion for Lacrosse has increased tenfold under the coaching of Eric Manzanares. Thanks for everything Coach!"
— Jonathon Edwards

"Coach Eric has been an incredible influence on our son and his teammates, not just in lacrosse skills but in shaping strong, respectful young boys. His commitment to each player, making sure no one is left behind, speaks volumes about his character and dedication. Coach Eric teaches these boys life lessons in resilience, teamwork, and integrity, ensuring that they grow not only as athletes but as compassionate, responsible individuals. We’re so grateful for his guidance both on and off the field."
— Robert and Angela Rothe

"Aias has been playing team sports since he was five. We have been extremely blessed to be on teams with not only great kiddos, but great coaching and parents. When we were introduced to Eric for lacrosse, we knew we were in good hands, yet again! Anything that Coach Eric asks, Aias is eager to do and with the best of his ability. Even if he’s never tried something, as long as Coach Eric is coaching, he’s all in! We could not be happier or feel more confident in our son’s ability to grow in lacrosse with a role model and coach like Eric."
— Rachell and Shane Dottenwhy

"Lacrosse is a 3rd generation sport in our family. We're here because of the dedicated, passionate, driven, and intentional coaches. We're here because of the encouraging families that make up the sidelines. We're here because of the character development and lacrosse skills being taught to these young men both on and off the field. The hearts for the game and the care for the greater good is second to none."
— Jenelle Thompson

"Our son, Brody, has played lacrosse for the last several years under head Coach Eric Manzanares. The experience that we have had with this team, the players, and parents has been something truly unique. Coach Eric embodies what it means to be dedicated to this sport and the boys that play for him. His drive, love of lacrosse, and support for these boys is something that doesn't happen on every team. We have told Eric several times that we would follow him wherever he is coaching because of how much we appreciate all that he does for our boys and creating a team family. Eric and the other coaches truly want these kids to excel at the sport all while trying to shape these boys into young men. These coaches all emphasize the rules of the game at every practice and game and also the importance of sportsmanship, playing fair, having fun, winning gracefully, and most importantly learning how to accept defeat and use that disappointment to work harder and continue crafting their skill to win the next one. All important life lessons, on and off of the field. I couldn't ask for a better team to be a part of the love and encouragement that all of the parents show these boys is amazing and what these boys and these coaches have created is truly something special!"
— Jennifer DaCosta

"So grateful to be a part of the Greater Good Lacrosse team and family. The coaches truly care not only about the game of lacrosse, but each individual player. This team has become so close between the friendship of the players, and the families along the sideline. Truly an amazing team to be a part of."
— Erin Veruchi

"Eric and his passion for lacrosse is one of a kind. He truly has a love for the game and it shows through his dedication to teaching the sport to the next generation. He has a special way of teaching fundamentals while mixing in upper level techniques. The coaches believe in their players by pushing them in a way that is supportive and uplifting. This team has been the best experience my son has had in youth sports. We look forward for what’s to come!"
— Lindsey Jaffe

"I’m an older parent than most, and I’ve had plenty of experience with raising my older children, as well as coaching them (and August) in different sports. I’m currently an active coach for Flag Football and have been for the last few years. I am so very impressed by Eric as a coach and as a person. He’s a great communicator and educator/teacher and it’s obvious he cares about these young men. He keeps the boys on task, but also teaches them to have fun and focus on what they control, which is their attitude and effort. I love the team spirit he fosters, because the boys really pull for one another and seem to have a lot of love for one another.

We stumbled into the lacrosse sport and this organization on a whim last March. We feel very lucky to be a part of this team. I also really like the sport for August for a lot of reasons, including the hope that it will prevent him from playing the dreaded tackle football.

I appreciate Eric’s vision and leadership for the new organization. It has a lot of potential in many ways, including helping all of the players to become better and more competitive lacrosse players, but also grow as individuals." — Kirk Turner

“We recently joined the team, and my son has been loving the kids and coaches. The coaches really care about the kids and want to see them grow. I can't thank them enough for inviting us to join this team!” — Talon Koch

"Eric and his entire coaching staff truly lead this team with heart, love of the game, and genuine care for each player on the team. They lead by example and put so much time and organization into each practice, which makes them so special and effective. They aren't standing on the sidelines yelling orders, but instead each of the coaches has a stick in their hands and are participating with the team. Our son has learned more about the game in the past several months on this team than he has in his prior seasons combined. The families on the team treat each of the boys like their own. Most importantly, Eric and the coaches are not only teaching the boys to play lacrosse, but they're teaching them how to be good human beings - to respect others, lift up and support their teammates, grow from their mistakes and losses, and to have grit and perseverance. These are irreplaceable skills that will take them far beyond the game."
— Andy and Laura Bennett

"Coach Eric is my favorite coach ever because he is nice, kind, and doesn’t yell at me like my old coaches. He has helped me be a great goalie because he gave me the confidence to go out there and play my best. I have made my best friends here and the parents are kind and supportive."
— Bear, #18