Army Ant Coaching Staff

Trenton Gafner

Army Ant Director & U18 Coach

Phone810-986-5095

Trenton Gafner started “Coalition Lacrosse” company to help grow the game of lacrosse in the in Michigan where he runs leagues, summer camps, and travel teams. Trenton worked in the professional setting as an architecture draftsmen and engineer. So, he brings his organizational skills to our staff. His passion for the game of lacrosse shows every day.

Before he started Coalition Lacrosse he was the varsity coach at Grand Blanc for two years, from 2009 and 2010. In 2008 he was the JV head coach at Grand Blanc. Took a year off, and found out he couldn't stay away from this great game. In 2012 he was hired as the Offensive Coordinator for Hartland High School had the same position in 2013 where he helped the offense rank #12 in goals a game in MI. Trenton was names the Varsity head coach for the 2014 season and helped them have the best year in school history ranking #18 in the state. He stepped down for the 2015 season to focus on Coalition Lacrosse. As a high school coach Trenton as coach multiple All-State award winners. Trenton was the Head coach for the University of Michigan-Flint Club team for two years as well.

Trenton started playing lacrosse in high school at Tecumseh High School when they started a team when he was in 10th grade. He was a three year captain and starter at Attack for Tecumseh. In 2002 he led his team to the Michigan Lacrosse State Championship for Division III/IV. He was a three time All-State Attackmen for Tecumseh. He finished third in the state of Michigan with 60 goals his senior season and set a national record at the time with 7 goals in the state title game.

WHY I COACH LACROSSE

My parents helped show me at young age that hard work pays off. They worked long hours and to help my two younger sisters and myself do the things we could do. I learned a lot from them and I want to pass on what I learn to my players, that are willing to listen. I want my passion and knowledge of the game of lacrosse to help my players reach their goals on and off the field. I didn't get the best grades but as soon as I applied myself things became easier. I want my players to understand how important education is and where that can take them in life.

CURRENT OR FUTURE COACHING POSITIONS

President of Coalition Lacrosse – Oversee all Army Ants teams, plus winter training & summer camps.
2019
- Varsity Black Army Ants Head Coach - Fall
2020
- U14 Army Ants Head Coach - Spring & Summer

PAST COACHING POSITIONS WITH COALITION LACROSSE

2018
- U12 Army Ants Head Coach - Spring
- U16 Army Ants Head Coach - Summer
2017
- U12 Army Ants Head Coach - Spring
  - Lax Bash – U12 – Champions
  - MLL (Michigan Lacrosse League) U12 – Runner-Up
  - Rip The Duck – U13 B – Runner-Up
- U18 Army Ants Head Coach - Summer
  - Lax House Games – 2019/2018 Division – Champions
  - KY Bluegrass - 2019/2018 Gold Division – Champions
  - U12 Painted Turtles Head Coach - Fall
2016
- U11 Army Ants Head Coach - Spring, Summer & Winter
  - D-Town - 5/6 Grade – Runner-Up
  - Pipe City – U11 Gold – Runner-Up
  - Lax Bash – U11 A – Champions
  - Varsity B Painted Turtles Head Coach Fall
2015
- U19 Army Ants Head Coach - Summer
  - Cherry Bomb – 2016/2017 B – Champions
  - Varsity B Painted Turtles Head Coach - Fall
2014
- U19 Army Ants Head Coach - Summer
2013
- U19 Army Ants Head Coach - Summer
  - Brewtown Showdown – High School A – Runner-Up
2012
- U19 Army Ants Head Coach - Summer

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Chuck Gafner

VP of Operations

Trenton Gafner on having Chuck Gafner with Coalition Lacrosse:

If you are a parent you know you will do almost anything for your kids. We understand travel lacrosse is a huge commitment of your families time. In the spring of 2015 my dad wanted to hang out with me but I told him I was busy that weekend I had to go watch some lacrosse and support some of the future Coalition Lacrosse players at a spring tournament. He asked if he could come, so we drove to Oxford and I introduced him to players and parents. I recruited a couple players to play travel lacrosse. We had a great time together, so he made an effort to come to the tournaments to support me. My dad loves to watch me coach. He brought my sister and they saw me coach at Cherry Bomb the summer of 2015. He was hooked and he told me then he wanted to come help out if I needed it. I told him, I have more work to do than he taught and I could use him for all spring, summer and fall tournaments if he wanted too.

So Spring of 2016 our first tournament was Rip the Duck in South Bend, IN. It snowed 6" from the time we started setting up the tents till our first game. We were prepared but was a lot for the boys and families to deal with. He saw how much a difference we could make for the players and parents.

So over the years my dad and I have made a effort to improve the tailgating experience for the Coalition Families. We try to be ready for all the different types of weather and put our players in position to succeed on the field.

My dad does this for free, because he wants to hangout. I always tell families, to pay him in conversation. He loves to talk to parents and players. He is proud of all the teams and wants to help in any way that we can. I have two sisters that he loves too, don't think he does this just for me. Most of the time, my mom is watching my dog and hangout with my sisters when we are gone at events. So if you want to get my dad talking ask him about his grandchildren.

We talk about how Coalition Lacrosse is a great family Atmosphere. Coalition Lacrosse wouldn't be what it is now, without my dad. He is a great guy and talk about Coalition Lacrosse all the time. He loves being a part of it and I love having him around. I'm just excited for when he retires in a couple of years, I can't imagine how creative he will be then with his ideas for the tailgate.

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Matt Holtz

Army Ant Program Advisor

My favorite part of coaching is watching boys develop into men. I enjoy mentoring and helping young people go through a very important time in their life. I see lacrosse as a vehicle for personal growth of young men.

Army Ant Program ADVISER

Information coming soon.

WHY I COACH LACROSSE

MY BACKGROUND

Matt started his playing career at Detroit Catholic Central. He went on to continue his Career at Michigan State. In 1997 he joined the MSU Club team (MCLA D1) as an assistant coach. Seven years later he took over as the head coach at MSU. In 2009 he was hired as the first coach at Detroit Mercy (NCAA D1). In 2013 he lead the Titans to a MAAC championship and a berth in the NCAA Division 1 tournament. In 2016 he took over as the head coach at Olivet College (NCAA D3).

PAST COACHING POSITIONS WITH COALITION LACROSSE

2019
- U18 Army Ant Head Coach - Summer
2018
- U18 Army Head Coach - 2019 Summer
2017
- U16 Army Ant Head Coach - Summer
- Painted Turtles Varsity B Head Coach - Fall
2016
- U18 Army Ant Head Coach - Summer

PAST COACHING POSITIONS

Head Coach - Olivet College

Head Coach – University of Detroit Mercy

* 2013 Conference Champions

* 2011 Conference Runner Up

* 2011 - 2014 Conference Playoff contender

* 1 Academic All American

* 14 All MAAC Players

* 3 MAAC LSM of the Year Awards

* 1 MAAC Defensive Player of the Year

* 2 MAAC Rookie of the Year Awards

* 4 MAAC All rookie team recipients

* NCAA All Time D1 record for Manup Efficiency - 2014 - 70.8%

* 2011 NCAA Leader in Caused TO per game - 11.63

* 2012 NCAA Leader in Caused TO per game - 10.47

Head Coach - Michigan State

* 2007 CCLA Coach of the Year

* 2007 CCLA Runner up

* 2006 CCLA Runner up

Assistant Coach - Michigan State

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