Cardinal Mooney grad builds his own lacrosse training school

Confidence makes a world of difference for athletes. It can only elevate their game to the next level.

Some make it look easy — they just have that air about them. For others, it can be a tireless battle to eliminate doubt.

Vinny Mercadante wasn't his most confident self as a high school senior. And he certainly wasn't when he moved to Florida from New Jersey at age 12. By his senior year in college, though, he put that hurdle behind him.

"Once I did, I played the best lacrosse of my career and had the most fun doing it," Mercadante said. "The more confident you are in yourself and your teammates, the more confident other people will be in you."

Now he's in the business of inspiring his younger counterparts to find that belief within themselves and not waiting until cap-and-gown fittings to do so.

Mercadante, a 25-year-old Lakewood Ranch resident, founded VM Lacrosse Training in January. He's open to serving all ages and field positions in the Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota and Tampa areas.

His humble clientele spans around 10 students this fall on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule. Those in the local lacrosse community continue to spread word about his teachings, and in the year to come, he expects his client list to grow.

"I try to preach to the kids that it's OK to mess up, especially when you're out here. We can always fix a missed shot or fix footwork or adjust mechanics," Mercadante said. "And out here, the score doesn't matter. Nothing like that matters."

Photo by Jack Nelson

He spends his work days as a senior account executive for Shamrock Marketing Solutions, but during his free time, he's thrown himself into just about every coaching avenue available.

Dating back to 2022, Mercadante has been offensive coordinator and faceoff coach for University of Tampa men's club lacrosse, which plays in Division II of the Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association. He's also held stints as faceoff coach for five school-based programs, including Lakewood Ranch High and Sarasota High in spring 2024.

True Lacrosse, 850 Lacrosse Club, Sarasota Seahawks and Tamiami Lacrosse have also enjoyed his guidance at one point or another. They're included on a coaching resume, which spans seven years, beginning with those times when Mercadante returned home for winter and summer breaks while a freshman at Marian University in 2018-19. 

In his own playing days not so long ago, he was a midfielder for Cardinal Mooney, and reached the 2018 FHSAA regional final as a senior while the team went 20-2 overall. He played for Florida State men's club lacrosse in 2021-23 as a faceoff specialist after starting out with Marian at the NCAA Div. III level.

Mercadante's small business of private training, though, wasn't necessarily his own idea at first. A neighbor's request encouraged him that his perspective was valuable to share with athletes of the future.

He soon realized that his competitors in Southwest Florida are few and far between.

"It seemed like there was a need for it around here — not a traditional hotbed for lacrosse," Mercadante said. "It's still obviously getting a lot larger, but there's not all of the guidance or the accessibility as some other regions."

Photo by Jack Nelson

There simply aren't many people in this area who do what he does. High school teams and year-round clubs are present, but private trainers are scarce. 

He's found his niche, boasting expertise in faceoffs and offense. He's thrived in it. Young athletes have taken notice.

Charlie Rasool, a senior midfielder for Sarasota boys' lacrosse, has worked with Mercadante for three years. When he initially sought out training, the only program he could find was on the East Coast of the state — unreasonably far for a one- or two-hour session.

VM Lacrosse Training hasn't just presented a closer option. It's been an excellent option, going beyond the basics to align with Rasool's personal goals.

"As a (face off, go off) player, it's a little hard trying to step up and play some offense. I let him know," Rasool said. "He was like, 'Boom, we're doing offense.' And we just worked on three new dodges. I didn't let him know at all beforehand, but he was ready for it."

Vince Sabella, a sophomore at Cardinal Mooney, is a comparatively newer student of Mercadante's. The two have worked together for about a year and a half.

He couldn't shoot or pass with his left hand when he started out with the young coach. Now, with an expanded skill set, he feels plenty comfortable in that regard.

Sabella's shot is faster than it's ever been as he looks to make varsity for the first time when spring 2026 rolls around.

"He's very calm. He doesn't get mad at anyone. If they just picked up a stick for the first time, he still trains them," Sabella said. "His character is great. He's always in a good mood. I've never seen him in a bad mood."

Photo by Jack Nelson

But it's not just the quality of coaching which distinguishes Mercadante. His approach to accessibility sets him apart.

The up-and-coming mentor has spent money out of his own pocket to gift equipment to those who can't afford it. He's also organized raffles and fundraisers to gather funds for athletes in need.

He genuinely wants to help mold students into the players they want to become — by any means possible.

"I never want money to be the reason that someone isn't able to try the sport that they might end up loving and play for the rest of their life," Mercadante said. "I'd rather be able to help other people with it than hold on to more than I need."

Those days of wavering confidence are well behind him. He needed time to truly believe in himself as a player, but as a coach, he's confident about his platform.

Knowledge is power. In lacrosse, and in a region where private training is lacking, his insights are uniquely powerful.

Mercadante is a name local players should know.