Elite 2027

Mac Pons

Director and Defensive Instructor/Coach

Coach Mac Pons has been an integral part of Thunder Lacrosse since 2019, playing a pivotal role in college recruitment, team operations, and logistics, particularly around the Project South event. He leads coaching efforts for Thunder’s recruitable grad-year teams and has helped numerous athletes successfully navigate the college recruiting process, earning him widespread respect across the country.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Coach Pons grew up playing for the prestigious Crabs Lacrosse Club and was a standout at the Boys’ Latin School. During his high school career, he was a four-year letterman and led the Lakers to the 2013 MIAA “A” Championship game. His accolades include being a two-time All-MIAA selection, Baltimore Sun All-Metro honoree, US Lacrosse All-American, and Under Armour All-American. He was also ranked a Top 20 national recruit in the class of 2013.

Coach Pons continued his lacrosse career at the University of Maryland, where he was a three-year starter. During his time with the Terrapins, he contributed to one national championship, three national title game appearances, and four Final Four runs. His senior class finished with an impressive 61-14 record (.813), and he appeared in 64 games over his career.

In addition to his work with Thunder, Coach Pons is the Associate Head Community Coach at Cambridge High School. Prior to Cambridge, he served as the Head Assistant Coach at Woodward Academy from 2020 to 2022. Since joining Cambridge, he has helped lead the Bears to multiple playoff appearances, two GHSA Final Four runs, and area championships in 2022 and 2025. His efforts were recognized when he was named GHSA Division Coach of the Year in 2025.

Coach Pons lives in Alpharetta, GA, with his wife Tess.

Shayne Jackson

Coach

Coach Shayne Jackson grew up in Bowmanville, Ontario, where he began his lacrosse journey playing minor lacrosse for the Clarington Green Gaels. His standout play continued into Junior B, where he led the Green Gaels to a Founders Cup Final in 2009 and earned Tournament MVP honors.

Shayne advanced to Junior A with the Whitby Warriors, capturing the Minto Cup National Championship in 2011 during his final year of junior lacrosse. While excelling in Canadian summers, he also dominated in U.S. college lacrosse at Onondaga Community College, winning back-to-back NJCAA National Championships. In 2010, he was named the National Junior College Player of the Year, Tournament MVP, and a First Team All-American, posting an incredible 121-point season (58 goals, 63 assists).

He continued his collegiate career at Limestone University (NCAA Division II), where he earned First Team All-American honors, was named Jac Coyne Lacrosse Magazine Player of the Year, Conference Carolinas Co-Player of the Year, and became a Tewaaraton Award finalist, the highest honor in college lacrosse.

Shayne was selected 4th overall in the 2012 NLL Draft by the Minnesota Swarm, now the Georgia Swarm. As the franchise’s all-time leading scorer with over 900 career points, he has become one of the most respected players in professional lacrosse. His accolades include leading the Swarm to an NLL Championship in 2017 and being named the 2020 NLL MVP.

In addition to his NLL career, Shayne has played in the field game for both the Atlanta Blaze (MLL) and the Boston Cannons (PLL). Internationally, he has represented Team Canada, winning gold medals at the World Indoor Lacrosse Championships in 2019 and 2024.

Off the field, Coach Jackson has been a vital part of the Atlanta lacrosse community since 2016. He has coached with Thunder Lacrosse since 2018, specializing in developing elite offensive players with his deep box lacrosse expertise. Shayne has mentored and coached countless middle and high school athletes, helping them elevate their skills and understanding of the game.

Since 2018, he has served as the Head Assistant Coach at Pace Academy, contributing to the team’s consistent appearances in the GHSA playoffs. Prior to his time at Pace, Coach Jackson also served as the Offensive Assistant at Everest Academy in Ontario, helping lead the program to its first state championship appearance since 2001.

Coach Jackson continues to inspire and develop the next generation of lacrosse players through his leadership, deep knowledge of the game, and championship mindset.

Jason Breyo

Coach

Grant Breyo

Coach

Alex Gavilla

Coach