Coach Opalka graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) where he played defense from 1997-2001, appearing in all 55 career games including 54 starts.  During his last two seasons, he helped bring his team to the D3 NCAA tournament for the first time in school history making it to the Elite-8 in ‘01.  That year, Mike was named USILA Honorable Mention All-American and invited to play in the Senior North/South All-Star Game.

Originally from Loudonville, NY, he began coaching in 2003 at The Meadows High School in Las Vegas, NV, taking over a 1-15 team and leading them to a 9-4 record and Nevada State Semi-Finals appearance his first year.  With coaching stops in NM, KY and TX, Mike has been living in the Augusta Area since 2017 with his wife and two children, where he is currently the Defensive Coordinator at Evans High School.  He brings a strong defensive mind to Augusta Lacrosse Club, as well as an emphasis on physical fitness and hard work.

Outside lacrosse, Mike volunteers as a certified Stroke and Turn swimming official, while enjoying watching his children competitively swim for the Aiken-Augusta Swim League (ASL) team.  In his limited downtime, Mike enjoys working on home improvement projects along with just relaxing next to the pool.