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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:

• The moment he first stepped into the crease as a kid 🥍
• How playing multiple sports shaped his goalie game
• His unique style of baiting shooters and leading a defense
• Training and competing at Syracuse alongside elite goalies
• Scoring a goal and making history at the European Championships with Italy 🇮🇹
• Lessons for young goalies on recruiting, leadership, and trusting the process

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.

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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:

• Uses visualization and self-talk to build confidence.
• Stays loose and patient instead of tensing up on shots.
• Trains his hands, feet, and reaction time with specific goalie drills.
• Deals with bad days, tough games, and bouncing back stronger.
• Creates flow state and plays with freedom instead of overthinking.

If you’re serious about becoming a better goalie, this episode is packed with tips you can try in your next practice or game.

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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!

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🎙️ 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:

• How he got started (thanks to a school officer 👮‍♂️)
• Lessons from elite goalies like Dobson and Sean Byrne
• Building confidence, handling chirps, and playing free
• His goals: NCAA All-American, PLL/NLL pro, and future broadcaster 🎯

A 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

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As Mercyhurst University makes its ambitious leap into NCAA Division I men’s lacrosse, one name to watch between the pipes is sophomore goalie Jaret Jawor.

A native of Lockport, Illinois, Jawor played his high school lacrosse at Wheaton Academy, where he developed into a strong and athletic netminder. Now standing at 6-foot-3, Jawor brings size, reach, and a calming presence to the crease—traits that are quickly turning heads in his second collegiate season.

Jawor made his college debut in 2024, seeing time in six games as a freshman. He made 21 saves while posting a 6.95 goals-against average and an impressive .618 save percentage, finishing the season with a 1–0 record. His early showings hinted at potential, and in 2025, that potential has started to materialize.

This season, Jawor has stepped into a more active role, appearing in five games and making one start. Across 143 minutes of action, he's registered:

• 38 saves
• 36 goals against
• 15.06 GAA
• .514 save percentage
• 1–1 overall record

But the numbers only tell part of the story.

In NEC conference play, Jawor has stepped up under pressure, delivering a .571 save percentage across two appearances—highlighted by a standout 19-save performance against Robert Morris. Though the Lakers didn’t secure the win, Jawor’s poise and shot-stopping ability stood out in a hard-fought matchup.

The 2025 season is a landmark one for Mercyhurst. After years of dominance at the Division II level, the Lakers have entered the Division I stage with a youthful roster, a new head coach in Trey Keeley, and something to prove. While postseason eligibility will have to wait, performances from players like Jawor have helped Mercyhurst secure key wins—most notably a dominant 22–6 victory over Hampton.

As Mercyhurst builds its foundation in Division I, Jaret Jawor is emerging as a core piece of that future. With two years of eligibility left and a growing confidence in the cage, expect Jawor to continue evolving into one of the NEC’s top goaltenders.

Keep your eye on No. 12—he’s just getting started. Enjoy my conversation with future star Jaret Jawor.

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Owen Salanger has quickly made a name for himself as a standout goalie for the University of Massachusetts men’s lacrosse team.

A freshman from Liverpool, New York, Salanger has demonstrated exceptional skill, composure, and leadership in the cage, earning Honorable Mention All-American honors from USA Lacrosse Magazine.

His ability to make clutch saves and control the defense has been a key factor in UMass’s success this season.

Salanger’s lacrosse journey began at Liverpool High School, where he was a dominant force in goal. His performances earned him a spot at UMass, where he wasted no time making an impact.

In his freshman season, he posted an impressive 9-5 record as a starter, with a 9.36 goals-against average and a .565 save percentage. His 165 saves rank as the third-most all-time for a freshman netminder at UMass, proving his ability to handle high-pressure situations.

Throughout the season, Salanger has delivered standout performances, including 16 saves against Brown, 13 saves against Albany, and 12 saves against Richmond.

His consistency and ability to read the game have placed him among the top 10 goalies in the nation in save percentage and top 15 in goals-against average.

His contributions were instrumental in UMass’s push for success in the Atlantic 10 Conference, where he made 59 saves in five A-10 games.

Off the field, Salanger continues to refine his skills and study the game, drawing inspiration from elite goalies who have come before him.

His dedication to improvement and his ability to perform under pressure make him a promising talent for UMass lacrosse. As he continues to develop, Salanger is poised to become one of the premier goalies in collegiate lacrosse.

Enjoy my conversation with elite freshman goalie Owen Salanger.

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Fairfield Goalie Owen Hirsch: Confidence Is Contagious

In this episode of the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon sits down with Fairfield University goalie Owen Hirsch to talk all things between the pipes. Owen shares his inspiring journey from a young, pad-covered beginner to D1 starter, highlighting how he conquered his fear of the ball and developed elite confidence in the cage.

The conversation dives deep into goalie mindset, techniques like the "Philly Flow" system, the importance of routines, and why confidence is contagious—especially in the goalie position. Owen also reflects on his team’s incredible 9–0 start, lessons learned from setbacks, and how leadership and mental toughness are shaping his approach going into his fifth year.

Whether you're a youth goalie, a coach, or a proud goalie parent, this episode is packed with relatable insights and actionable tips to level up your game. And yes—we even talk about how to eat the elephant… one piece at a time.

Sponsored by:

• Thigh Pro Protection: Protect your legs without sacrificing mobility – thighpro.com/lgr
• Lax Goalie Rat Academy: Join today at laxgoalierat.com/camp

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Maura Spicer is a promising young lacrosse player for Cherokee High School in Marlton, New Jersey. A member of the Class of 2028, Spicer plays as a goalkeeper for the Cherokee Girls Varsity Lacrosse team.

Spicer has already begun making an impact on the field. During the 2024-2025 season, she recorded eight saves across three games, averaging 6.06 saves per game. Her standout performances include a ten-save game against Cinnaminson and a eight-save effort in a dominant win over Lenape.

Beyond her contributions to Cherokee High School, Spicer has also competes with All American Aim, a lacrosse club based in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. This club provides athletes with resources to navigate the recruiting process and develop their skills at a high level. She also competes in a Box Lacrosse League for Girls becoming a pioneer for the indoor sport.

As she continues her high school career, Spicer is poised to refine her abilities and gain more experience in competitive play. With her dedication and growing skill set, she is a player to watch in the coming years. Enjoy my conversation with young standout goalie Maura Spicer.

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Daniella (Danny) Guyette is an emerging talent in collegiate lacrosse, recognized for her agility, composure, and leadership as a goalkeeper for Syracuse University.

Originally from Newbury Park, California, Guyette’s lacrosse journey began at Newbury Park High School, where she was a standout player. She earned multiple accolades, including three-time All-Marmonte League First Team and All-Ventura County First Team honors. Her senior year was particularly impressive, as she posted a .590 save percentage with 130 saves in just 12 games. She was also named to US Lacrosse’s Fab 50 and played in the Adrenaline All-American Senior Game.

At Syracuse, Guyette has continued to develop her skills. After missing her freshman season due to injury, she made her collegiate debut in 2024, playing in seven games and recording a 7.63 goals-against average with a .524 save percentage. She made her first career save against Virginia Tech and had a season-high three saves against UAlbany.

Guyette’s dedication to the sport has been shaped by her admiration for past Syracuse goalies. Growing up, she studied the play styles of standout SU goalkeepers like Asa Goldstock and Delaney Sweitzer, incorporating elements of their game into her own. Now, with Sweitzer’s transfer to Northwestern, Guyette is poised to take on a larger role as Syracuse’s starting goalie in 2025.

Off the field, Guyette is pursuing a degree in forensic science and has been recognized for her academic achievements, earning spots on the ACC Academic Honor Roll and the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.

The start to her Syracuse career didn't go exactly as planned as Guyette suffered a knee injury keeping her out the entire year. We talk about the process of overcoming an injury like that both mentally and physically.

Her journey from a determined high school athlete to a rising collegiate star serves as an inspiration to young lacrosse players aiming to make their mark at the next level.

Enjoy my conversation with outstanding Syracuse goalie Danny Guyette.

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Podcast interview with Carolina Tar Heels goalie Betty Nelson. 

At UNC, Nelson quickly made her mark. In her first collegiate start, she recorded seven saves, contributing to a dominant 14-2 victory over James Madison. Throughout the 2025 season, she has maintained a save percentage over 50% and played a pivotal role in UNC's top-ranked scoring defense. Her exceptional performance earned her a spot on the 2025 Tewaaraton Award Watch List, recognizing her as one of the nation's elite players.​

Off the field, Nelson is pursuing a degree in psychology and is known for her dedication to mentoring younger players. She emphasizes the importance of mental resilience, preparation, and teamwork. Her journey from a young girl playing in boys' leagues to a standout collegiate athlete serves as an inspiration to aspiring lacrosse players everywhere. Enjoy my talk with star UNC goalie Betty Nelson. 

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