Meet your great neighbor, g.w. mix
By Andrea Fine, Photo Credit: G.W. & Mary Mix
If you are a Newport Beach resident and a fan of youth lacrosse, you most likely know the name G.W. Mix. George Warren Mix, G.W., was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where he played lacrosse and earned a history degree. During the summer of 1987, while working as a lifeguard in Ocean City, Maryland, G.W. met Mary Allison, a Newport Beach native, and NHHS graduate. They were married on Labor Day weekend in 1989.
They spent their first five years in Pennsylvania. G.W. coached men’s lacrosse at Franklin and Marshall College before becoming the head coach at his alma mater. While in Philadelphia, G.W. and Mary welcomed their first two sons, Ryan, in 1991 and Casey, in 1994. In 1995 the Mix family moved to North Carolina, where G.W. shifted gears to work for ESPN. In 2001, son, Kyle, completed their hat trick.
In 2003, with Mary missing family and friends, they moved to California. The following year, G.W. launched his youth-based lacrosse program, Surf Dawgs. G.W. says, “I started Surf Dawgs to build a community-based youth program and competitively feed the lacrosse programs at both CdMHS and NHHS.” Since its inception, G.W. and his staff have coached and inspired more than 1,000 kids. They also host youth clinics to introduce lacrosse to beginners.
In 2007 when Ryan joined the freshman lacrosse team at CdM, G.W. volunteered to help coach. During Ryan’s senior year, 2010, the head coach retired. CdM offered G.W. the head coaching position--a job he still holds today. During his tenure, CdM has compiled a 200-38 record. G.W. has not just built a phenomenal lacrosse program that fields a “team,” but he has also created a culture to inspire players to be their best, as evidenced by the 25 Sea Kings that have played in the NCAA.
G.W. leads by example, teaching integrity and “to do what is right, not easy.” He builds relationships and continues to connect with his players after high school. He hosts an annual alumni game, and many of his former players come back to play and reconnect.
In 2014 G.W. launched another passion project, The Pacific Coast LAX Shootout. This annual event brings two of the nation’s top collegiate teams to Orange County to compete. G.W. says, “Watching the high caliber play is a wonderful tool to teach our youth the game.”
Then, in 2018, recognizing G.W.’s unique ability to listen and support, CdM created the student advocate and family liaison position. His background as a lifeguard and coach combine to make him a tremendous asset.
Among the many titles G.W. has today; husband, father, coach, friend, mentor, business owner, he is most thrilled about his newest one . . . Grandpa. As we head to print, G.W. and Mary are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their first grandchild. Here’s to the newest Mix team member!
Thank you, G.W., for your commitment to our community and youth. You truly exude what it is to be a great neighbor.
"GW has been instrumental in helping kids and families at CDM high school. He has that unique ability to notice a child who may be in need of support or assistance. The kids respect him, and he is so in touch with their needs. We are beyond grateful for everything GW does for our CDM school community." Kim and John Turner