Lax Goalie Rat Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Carolina Chaos goalie Austin Kaut joins the podcast to break down his journey from scared youth attackman-turned-goalie to PLL champion. Austin talks about growing up training with legends like Brian Dougherty and Drew Adams, learning the "phlow system" at NetNation, and the footwork techniques that transformed his game at Penn State under Coach Tambroni — including why going over the top on off-stick hip saves changed everything. He gets into the details of the Championship Series run: how Carolina went from 0-2 to champions, his strategy of playing unorthodox sixes lacrosse (including switching to righty mid-game), and why limiting two-pointers was the key to the title. Austin also shares real talk on being a backup in the PLL, the mental game tools he uses to reset after goals, and pays tribute to his late Penn State teammate Connor Darcy. Plus: the Doc Drill, pregame juggling rituals, and why training outside of practice is the ultimate separator. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Michigan freshman goalie Elizabeth Johnson joins the show to talk about how getting pelted by her older brother's friends in street hockey turned her into a fearless shot-stopper. We get into her journey from Concord, New Hampshire to Ann Arbor — including the recruiting summer she calls one of the best experiences of her life, bonding with her dad on road trips to tournaments across the country. EJ breaks down the mental side of starting as a freshman in a D1 program, why she writes a list of affirmations before every game, and how repeating "I'm built for this" carried her through double overtime against BC. She shares what she's learned training with Goaliesmith and working one-on-one with grad assistant Erin O'Grady (aka Obi-Wan Kenobi), including the biggest adjustment to her college game — playing smarter angles and creating lateral momentum to get behind faster shots. We also get into baiting shooters, why she practices with her stick in the wrong hand just to test her explosion, the importance of building relationships with your defense off the field, and why she'll never take off the sweatpants in goal. Key Topics: Support the show

Send a text Luke Winger started playing lacrosse goalie in eighth grade after a buddy lured him to practice with the promise of ice cream. Now he's an All-American at Le Moyne, competing at the Division I level after the program's transition from D2. In this episode, Luke breaks down how his ice hockey goalie background shaped his lacrosse game — from cutting down angles to staying patient in the crease. He talks about the conversations with his buddies back home that taught him to think like a shooter, why he had to slow his game way down when he got to college, and how he trains himself to stay relaxed under pressure instead of tensing up on step-downs. We also get into the backup goalie mentality and what it takes to earn your spot, his approach to film study (hint: it's less about shot tendencies and more about helping your defense), the clearing game as a goalie's second most important job, and why preparation for game day starts days in advance. Plus Luke shares advice for goalies dealing with first-start nerves and tips for players recruiting out of non-traditional lacrosse states like Illinois. Support the show

Send a text Princeton starting goalie Ryan Croddick joins the show to talk about his winding path to the Ivy League — from being told not to bring his field stick anymore in youth lacrosse, to committing to Richmond, to getting a last-minute call from Princeton. Ryan shares how growing up playing hockey and battling his brothers in the backyard made him fearless in the cage, what he learned backing up Mike Gvozden for two years, and the pregame gratitude walk he does with teammates before every game. We also get into his juggling routine, how he uses baiting on late turns and from X, scouting shooters without overthinking it, working on hockey-style footwork behind the cage, and what Princeton is building as they chase a national championship this season. Support the show

Send us a text Stanford goalie Lucy Pearson shares her journey from accidentally discovering the position to playing D1 lacrosse. We dive into the mental side of handling goals, why being athletic beats being robotic in cage, and how she evolved her communication from frantic to confident. Lucy breaks down Stanford's process-over-results mentality, shares how she got out of a slump by remembering to have fun, and explains why positive reinforcement makes constructive criticism land better. Plus: the power of squash for hand-eye coordination, coaching insights from Goaliesmith, and why you can't tie your identity to your performance. Key Topics: Support the show

Send us a text Coach Mark Lange joins the show to discuss his new book "The Culture Line: Building Future Community Leaders Through Sport." With 20+ years of coaching experience across 100+ seasons—from Pop Warner football to Carleton University lacrosse—Mark shares his framework for developing athletes into leaders. We dig into why the best coaches are both loved and hated in the same week, what "process-driven" really means for goalies and coaches, and why resilience starts before the tough moment ever happens. Mark breaks down why authenticity matters (don't try to be Dylan Ward or Connor Foley—be YOU), and we explore the difference between a winning culture and a leadership culture. Key takeaways for goalies: how to build resilience through reasonable expectations, why having fun is contagious for your whole team, and finding your authentic style in the cage instead of copying someone else's game. Connect with Mark on Instagram @marklangejr or email theculturelinebook@gmail.com Support the show

Send us a text Dr. Kate Lund, psychologist, best-selling author, and host of The Optimized Mind podcast, shares powerful strategies for building mental resilience in lacrosse goalies and young athletes. In this conversation, we explore: The Relaxation Response TechniquePre-Game Routines & VisualizationManaging Emotions on the SidelinesThe "Even Keel" MindsetProcessing FailureThe Daily Wins ExerciseThe Car Ride HomeDr. Lund also discusses her new book, Step Away: The Keys to Resilient Parenting, and shares insights from her personal journey with resilience, starting from childhood challenges with hydrocephalus to becoming a competitive tennis player. Connect with Dr. Kate Lund: Support the show

Send us a text Penn female lacrosse goalie Orly Sedransk joins the show to share her journey from a volunteer youth goalie to an Ivy League standout. Orly breaks down what young goalies actually need to succeed, from building confidence and handling pressure to creating routines that lead to real consistency. She dives deep into the mental side of the position, including breathing techniques, reset habits after goals, and how to stay locked in during big moments like overtime and championship games. This episode also covers goalie development at every stage, including earning trust from teammates, preparing for college recruiting, managing slumps, and why your warm-up does not define your performance. Packed with practical lessons, mindset shifts, and honest insight, this is a must-listen for goalies, coaches, and parents who want to understand what it really takes to thrive in the crease at the highest level. Support the show

Send us a text Notre Dame National Champion Tommy Ricciardelli on Mental Toughness, Championship Goaltending & Finding Your Flow State Join two-time National Champion Tommy Ricciardelli (Notre Dame) as he breaks down the mental game that carried him through championship runs and what it really takes to compete at the highest level. In this episode, Tommy shares: The Next Shot MentalityFinding Your Flow StateThe Reality of Being a BackupCoach Corrigan's Two Non-NegotiablesTechnical InsightsChampionship LessonsThe Communication BalancePlus: Tommy's advice on staying creative, having fun, and not putting too much pressure on yourself in the cage. Perfect for goalies looking to level up their mental game and learn from someone who's been there on college lacrosse's biggest stage. Support the show

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Roger Williams University goalie Aaron D'Aversa to unpack his full lacrosse journey, from a gear obsessed third grader to a confident college starter. Aaron talks about why he first fell in love with the position, why he briefly left it to play attack, and how that switch ended up becoming one of the most important ingredients in his development. Aaron shares stories about youth lacrosse on Long Island, earning varsity time in seventh grade, and navigating the recruiting chaos of COVID before eventually finding the right home at Roger Williams. He goes deep into the technical parts of his game too including why he favors a lateral step, how he built elite clearing ability, and the drills he uses to stay patient, stay balanced, and stay big in the cage. You’ll hear his approach to the mental game, how he resets when he’s flinching or in a slump, the routines he relies on before every game, and why being able to string your own stick and throw with both hands might be the most underrated advantage a goalie can have. Whether you’re a young goalie building your foundation or a college player looking to sharpen the details, Aaron brings a ton of insight, honesty, and actionable advice in this interview. Tune in and enjoy. Support the show

Send us a text Columbia College goalie Finn Landy joins the show to talk about his journey in the crease, from Raleigh youth lacrosse to South Carolina MCLA champ to NAIA starter and coach. Finn shares lessons on confidence, flow state, communication, clearing, film work, and developing young goalies. He also opens up about managing bipolar, staying even, and rediscovering joy in the game. We dig into: Plus, the power of coaching to understand the game on a deeper level, and how to love playing the position again. Follow Finn: @brickwallgoalieco Final takeaway: Play with swagger. Support the show

Send us a text Seamus Skelly is a 2030 goalie who has been documenting his daily training journey for more than 3 months straight. In this episode we talk about how he got started in goal back in third grade, what helped him get over the fear of the ball, and how he manages the pressure that comes with the position. He shares lessons learned from his older brother who plays D3, from working with Adaptive Goaltending, and from posting his Day-by-Day training videos that have already caught the attention of college programs and pros online. We get into drills, protection, positive self talk, mental toughness, using tools like LaceUp, cross-training with soccer, favorite saves, favorite pros to watch, and advice he would give to brand new youth goalies. A really fun and insightful conversation with a young goalie who is putting the work in every single day. Support the show

Send us a text Dylan Renner joins the show to unpack his journey from a kid on Long Island getting “sold” into the crease, to LIU, to Adelphi national champion, and finally a mid-week call up to the Archers. We cover the early struggles, the coach who gave him his first mental tools, and the technical tweaks that changed his off-stick game. Dylan shares how he learned different leadership styles from the crease, why he warms up with a short stick, what “aim small, miss small” did for his consistency, and how he stayed calm in overtime of the national championship. We finish with his PLL experience, training ideas you can steal, and advice for young goalies navigating recruiting and development. Topics: If you coach or play goalie, this episode is loaded with takeaways you can use the next time you step on the field. Support the show

Send us a text Special episode this week where we dig into off the field issues that can impact many goalies. In this special double-guest episode, we sit down with Caroline Potteiger and Rachel Costello to dive deep into one of the most important conversations in sports today: mental health for goalies. As both athletes and creators of the upcoming documentary Unmasked, Caroline and Rachel share their personal journeys with anxiety, depression, and the unique pressures that come with standing in the net. From pregame nerves to panic attacks, they open up about the challenges goalies face, why the position can feel isolating, and the tools they’ve found to cope—like breathing, meditation, and leaning on community. We also talk about their collaboration on Unmasked, set to release on October 10 - World Mental Health Day. The film features powerful stories, including insights from coaches, a licensed therapist, and JJ Martin, whose brother Robert’s story highlights the urgent need for these conversations. Listeners will walk away with practical tips for managing goalie-specific stress, the importance of support systems, and how programs like Goalies Matter are creating a space where athletes can feel seen, heard, and understood. Whether you’re a goalie, coach, parent, or simply care about athlete well-being, this episode is a must-listen. Support the show

Send us a text Stevenson University goalie Tyler Merchant joins the show to share how an eighth-grade “I’ll hop in” moment turned into a college career. We dig into the perfectionist/overthinker paradox, learning poise by studying goalies like Logan McNaney, and practical reset routines (yes, even the blink-and-wipe “hard drive” trick). Tyler walks through his Florida-to-boarding-school journey, a reclass year, committing to Catholic, transferring to Stevenson, and what D3 vs. D1 really feels like from the crease. We also hit leadership when your team turns over captains, staying locked in during quiet stretches, drills for feet and balance (walk your arc, tennis-ball footwork), stick talk (Eclipse III + ghost pocket), stringing heads, and using ADHD as a superpower for film and reps. He closes with advice to enjoy the grind—because you only get these four years once. You’ll hear about: Final takeaway: Enjoy it. Treat it like a job you love—and you’ll keep coming back better. Support the show

Send us a text Colorado sophomore goalie Elena Oh’s path to the net is anything but traditional. Before lacrosse, she spent 12 years competing in jump rope, and she didn’t even start playing goalie until after her freshman year of high school. Just a year and a half later, she found herself committing to Colorado — her only offer — and now she’s making a name for herself in the Big 12. Last season, the former Lax Goalie Rat summer intern was named to the Big 12 All-Newcomer Team, earned Goalkeeper of the Week four times in a row, and set a career high in her second appearance with a .667 save percent in her second appearance ever. In this episode, Elena talks about her journey from picking up a stick late to becoming Colorado’s starter as a freshman. From a PVC goal in her basement to her first appearance in a game versus the then-reigning national champions, Oh shares how much she simply loves the game and how that love has carried her through the pressures of college lacrosse. For her, it’s about playing for fun, playing for her teammates, and remembering the “why” behind it all. She dives into the mental side of goalkeeping too — how she resets after tough moments and keeps perspective in the net. Elena also reflects on representing Team Korea at the U20 World Championships, an experience that deepened her appreciation for different cultures and for the opportunities lacrosse has given her. While the Korean national team wasn't a high finisher, Oh reflected on playing with a language barrier and being a part of the movement to spread the sport. Whether it’s competing on an international stage or making her first collegiate appearance against Northwestern, Elena plays with gratitude, joy, and a mindset that keeps her grounded. Great conversation with podcast editor and former intern Elena Oh, SKO BUFFS! Support the show

Send us a text Syracuse goalie Michael Ippoliti joins the show to share his incredible lacrosse journey—from growing up in Farmingdale, NY, to earning his spot with the Orange, and now representing Team Italy on the international stage. We dive into: Michael’s story is packed with passion, grit, and wisdom for players and coaches alike. Whether you’re chasing your dreams in the cage or just love the game, this episode will fire you up. Support the show

Send us a text In this episode of the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast, Johns Hopkins goalie Oren Gelinas breaks down what it really takes to play at the highest level. From starting out in the crease as a kid, to earning starts for Hopkins, Oren shares the drills, routines, and mental game hacks that helped him level up. You’ll hear how he: visualizationself-talkIf you’re serious about becoming a better goalie, this episode is packed with tips you can try in your next practice or game. Support the show

Send us a text Join Coach Damon Wilson on this episode of the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast as he chats with Ray Carnicelli, the passionate voice of Jacksonville University lacrosse and a former standout goalie from Cortland St. (now SUNY Cortland) (Class of 1990). Dive into Ray's lacrosse origins in the early 1980s, from backyard games to his first formal gig in ninth grade, and how he honed his skills without today's online resources—relying on mentors, observation, and sheer passion. Ray shares nostalgic tales of the sport's evolution: bucket helmets, muddy fields with unpredictable bounces, and the shift from "crazy guy or fat kid" goalies to today's athletic giants. Hear about his roundabout path to Cortland via junior college, backing up an All-American, and peaking post-college in Florida's competitive scene. As a broadcaster, Ray reveals his prep secrets—like detailed roster charts and high-energy calls—and why he celebrates saves from both sides. Packed with goalie wisdom: tips for backups (trust coaches, lead off-field, master clearing), developing vocal communication, the "head, ball, pocket" mantra for focus, and drills like rapid-fire saves with a zip-tied stick. Ray emphasizes compartmentalizing life stresses, staying passionate, and having fun—or finding another position! Whether you're a young goalie, coach, or fan, this episode blends storytelling, mindset advice, and broadcasting insights. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and lacrosse love. Subscribe and join the LAX Goalie Rat Academy at laxgoalierat.com/camp for more training gold! Support the show

Send us a text 🎙️ Youth Phenom Ky "Ky the Goalie" Maradiaga on Chasing Big Goalie Dreams This week, Coach Damon chats with rising youth star Kyrie “Ky” Maradiaga, a 12-year-old goalie making big waves in the lacrosse world. From his first save to training with PLL and NLL legends like Brett Dobson, Ky shares what it’s like learning the position, how box lacrosse has shaped his field game, and the mindset that keeps him focused through the highs and lows. We dive into: freeA fun and inspiring convo with one of the brightest young minds in the game. Let’s go, Ky! 🥍🔥 📣 Presented by ThighPro Protection – Get 10% off: thighpro.com/lgr 🎯 Free Goalie Summit #16 – Sign up at goaliesummit.com Support the show