East County Athlete of the Week: Mickey Cohen

Senior attacker/midfielder Mickey Cohen has contributed a team-high 41 goals for Lakewood Ranch High boys lacrosse team in helping the Mustangs get off to a 7-3 start. He also has 12 assists, which are tied for second-most among his teammates. Cohen is the East County Athlete of the Week.

What's been the source of your success?

The past two years. Sophomore year, we won districts, and then last year, we were a better team, but we had some ups and downs. Every year I just wanted to be better. Last year, what I had stat-wise, I wanted to exceed it by a large amount. I go out every game like, "I've got to shoot at least seven times a game. I've got to put some numbers up, and play a lot more aggressive."

Why do you think this team has gotten off to a winning start?

Our first two games were challenging — we played (Community School of Naples) and Canterbury. It led us in a good direction. We lost, but we knew where we were. I think our success has just come from playing as a team and playing together. We're all on the same page.

What were your goals entering your senior season?

I wanted to go farther than we did last year. Even though we didn't win districts, we still got a bye into regionals. We lost in the quarterfinals. I just want to be able to do better.

What has been the focus for you lately when it comes to your own game?

Honestly, just getting everybody involved. Newer kids — kids who were brought up from (junior varsity) — just getting them involved. Let them know the plays, whatever we run. If somebody misses practice, fill them in. Now we all play together, so nobody's nervous, nobody's scared to dodge, because we all lift each other up.

When and why did you start playing lacrosse?

I started when I was 5 (years old). My two older brothers got into it young, and I started at Monsters (Lacrosse Academy) when I was 4 or 5, but they only had U9. My brothers were older, so they got me out one day, and ever since then, it's been only up.

Why have you stuck with this sport?

The friendships. High school lacrosse is different from club, but playing club, going to the hotel room, going out to eat dinners... it's that. And the sport itself, I love it.

What quote or piece of advice have you always carried with you?

We do this quote of the week thing every week in our team chat, and our coach (Joe Nelson) put out, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." I like that one. 

What's a fun fact about you not many people know?

I'm myself. I don't try to act different for other people. You see me here, and I'll be the same over there.

If you could go anywhere for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?

Probably Greece. I see a lot of it on TikTok. Or the Maldives.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you eat and why?

Probably Pasta. There's a lot you can do with it.

What music helps you get in the zone during practice or before a game?

Hip-hop or rap. I can really listen to anything if the team's singing it together and everybody knows the song. It could be some Bad Bunny — it could be anything.

Finish this sentence. Mickey Cohen is...

Energetic.