Michael French has been involved with the National Lacrosse League since its inception (1987) as a player, coach, general manager and owner. During his 27 year tenure with the Philadelphia Wings, he led the franchise to six championships beginning with their first in 1989 and their last in 2001. As it relates to the NLL Board, he has served the League at every possible committee level since the Board’s inception.
As a player, Michael was one of the first Canadians to be actively recruited by US Colleges and Universities. While attending Cornell University, Michael captained the undefeated 1976 team to an overtime win versus the also undefeated University of Maryland resulting in a NCAA Division 1 National Championship. He also led the Big Red to an undefeated record during his tenure in the Ivy League and three consecutive titles. He finished his career at Cornell as a three time All American, Ivy League and National Collegiate Player of the Year and Cornell’s all-time leading scorer.
As a member of the Canadian National Team, he participated in the World Games in 1974 (Australia), 1978 (England) and 1982(United States). In 1978 he captained Team Canada to a stunning overtime upset over the heavily favored United States team for Canada’s first World Championship. Michael was also named the Best and Fairest Player in that tournament.
Michael is a member of the Cornell University Athletic Hall of Fame, the US and Canadian Lacrosse Halls of Fame and in 2007 was inducted into the National Lacrosse League Hall of Fame.
Michael is a retired Partner from PriceWaterhouseCoopers where he led their Hospitality and Gaming Advisory Practice.
He resides outside of Philadelphia, in Radnor Pennsylvania with his wife Liz and daughter Sara.
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