Mondays with Mike: Game Changers in Lacrosse

Harlem Lacrosse
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Welcome to a series of conversations with members of the Harlem Lacrosse family, and thought leaders in lacrosse, education, and youth development.

Episodes

  1. Feb 2

    Systems Behind Success: What Powers Long-Term Youth Development Feat. Megan Bartlett & Jenny Moe | EP. 12 | 2.2.26

    What does it actually take to build long-term impact for young people? In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Harlem Lacrosse CEO Michael Levin is joined by Megan Bartlett, Founder of The Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport, and Jenny Moe, Chief Program Officer at Harlem Lacrosse, for a behind-the-scenes conversation on the systems that power real, lasting youth development. Together, they explore how Harlem Lacrosse designs programs for the long game. From investing in data integrity and tools, to coaching academic behaviors, supporting staff growth, and measuring progress in ways that go beyond short-term outcomes. This conversation digs into what often gets overlooked in the youth development space: • Why strong systems matter as much as strong relationships • How daily coaching and feedback compound over time • The gap between funding timelines and long-term results • What it means to measure growth differently — and why it works

  2. 08/04/2025

    Pathing, Possibility, & Student-Led Futures Feat. Joel Censer | EP. 11 | 8.4.25

    In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Harlem Lacrosse CEO Mike Levin sits down with Chief Pathing Officer Joel Censer to explore how students shape their futures when given real options and the support to pursue them. Joel unpacks the philosophy and strategy behind Harlem Lacrosse’s pathing model—an approach that centers student voice, expands opportunity, and equips young people to make decisions rooted in purpose. Together, Mike and Joel reflect on the Class of 2025’s powerful outcomes—100 graduates, 99% of financial need met, and a range of futures unfolding in college, trade programs, and beyond. Tune in to hear how Harlem Lacrosse is redefining post-secondary success—and what it means to truly walk with students as they lead the way forward.

  3. 05/05/2025

    Representation, Opportunity, and the Harlem Lacrosse Blueprint Feat. DeMaurice Smith | EP. 10 | 5.5.25

    Harlem Lacrosse CEO Mike Levin sits down for a compelling conversation with DeMaurice Smith, Harlem Lacrosse Executive Board member, former Executive Director of the NFL Players Association, renowned civil rights attorney, and passionate advocate for educational access and equity. In this episode, DeMaurice reflects on the power of representation and the critical importance of opportunity—what he calls “mirrors and windows”—mirrors for young people to see themselves reflected in success, and windows to envision new possibilities for their futures. Together, Mike and DeMaurice explore how Harlem Lacrosse is changing the game by surrounding student-athletes with a team of support that opens doors—in sports, in school, and in life.

  4. 03/31/2025

    Advancing Women’s Lacrosse & Empowering the Girls of HL Feat. Kylie Ohlmiller | EP. 9 | 3.31.25

    Harlem Lacrosse CEO, Mike Levin, sits down for an inspiring conversation with Kylie Ohlmiller, WLL professional lacrosse player and founder of KO17 Lacrosse. We’re proud to share this episode as we wrap up Women's History Month, celebrating perseverance, leadership, and the impact of growing the game.  In their conversation, Kylie dives into the evolution of women’s lacrosse and the critical need to create pathways for the next generation. She shares powerful insights on how Harlem Lacrosse is setting girls up for success—on and off the field—through mentorship, skill development, and advocacy for the women’s game. Watch now to hear Kylie’s thoughts on why lacrosse is uniquely poised to impact life trajectories, her advice for young athletes, and why she supports Harlem Lacrosse.

  5. 03/31/2025

    A New Era of Lacrosse and How HL Thrives Feat. Dom Starsia | EP. 8 | 2.24.25

    Harlem Lacrosse CEO Mike Levin sits down for an engaging conversation with Dom Starsia, Harlem Lacrosse Executive Board member, legendary former Head Coach of the University of Virginia Men’s Lacrosse team and a Hall of Fame leader in the sport. This episode delves into the profound impact of mentorship, competition, and community. With four NCAA championships and a legacy of shaping the next generation of players, Dom shares his insights on leadership, resilience, and the evolving landscape of lacrosse.  Watch now to hear Dom discuss his passion for developing young athletes, how the game is continuing to change and why he supports the mission of Harlem Lacrosse.

  6. 01/27/2025

    Early Successes to a Transformative Model feat. Lars Tiffany

    Harlem Lacrosse CEO Mike Levin sits down for an insightful conversation with Lars Tiffany, Head Coach of the University of Virginia Men's Lacrosse team and Harlem Lacrosse - New York Advisory Board member. This episode explores the transformative power of mentorship, competition, and community. Lars’ journey to becoming a two-time NCAA championship-winning coach is rooted in a deep commitment to the values of teamwork and leadership. Drawing from his experiences as a player, coach, and advocate for the sport, Lars shares lessons that resonate far beyond the field.

  7. 10/21/2024

    Passion, Philanthropy and the Power of a Good Idea feat. Tom Rothman

    In this episode of Mondays with Mike, we sit down with Tom Rothman, Chairman & CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group, for an inspiring conversation about his lifelong love of lacrosse and his commitment to philanthropy through Harlem Lacrosse. Tom reflects on how lacrosse shaped him as a young athlete, helped him during his time at Brown University, and continues to be a part of his daily life as he leads one of the world's largest movie studios. He discusses the competitive nature of his industry, the importance of recognizing a great idea, and how Harlem Lacrosse uses the sport to help level the playing field for students and get them into college. Tune in to hear Tom share his perspective on Harlem Lacrosse's next big challenge—sustaining and scaling the organization's impact—and why he's honored to support their mission to make lacrosse more inclusive for all. Don’t miss this episode filled with insights on leadership, competition, and the power of sport to change lives!

  8. 07/08/2024

    Breaking Barriers & the Future of the Sport feat. Jeffrey Wright (Part 2)

    In part two of their conversation, CEO Mike Levin and acclaimed actor and lacrosse veteran Jeffrey Wright continue to discuss the power of lacrosse and all it unlocks for our students. Jeffrey recalls lessons he took from the field to the stage and shares his hopes for what our students will take from their journey with Harlem Lacrosse as they step into the world at large.

  9. 07/01/2024

    Breaking Barriers & the Future of the Sport feat. Jeffrey Wright (Part 1)

    Harlem Lacrosse CEO Mike Levin, is joined by actor and lacrosse veteran Jeffrey Wright as they discuss the mission of Harlem Lacrosse and dive into how our organization is breaking  barriers to make lacrosse accessible to all. Discover inspiring stories, insightful discussions on diversity, and the future of this dynamic sport as we strive to expand its reach and impact.

  • 9 Episodes

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Welcome to a series of conversations with members of the Harlem Lacrosse family, and thought leaders in lacrosse, education, and youth development.

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