Lax Goalie Rat Podcast

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In this episode of the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast, we chat with Nick Pecora, starting goalie for Lehigh University. 🥍 Nick opens up about his journey from a backyard lacrosse player in New York to earning the starting job at the Division I level. Along the way, he shares invaluable insights about the mental and physical aspects of goaltending, the challenges of recruiting, and how a love for the game shaped his success.

🚨 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How Nick developed his passion for lacrosse at a young age
• The mental reset techniques that help him bounce back after tough goals
• Why falling in love with the process is more important than the outcome
• His unique journey through recruiting and finding the right college fit
• Game-day rituals and drills that keep him sharp between the pipes

Nick’s story is full of inspiration and practical advice for goalies at every level. Whether you’re just starting or chasing your own D1 dreams, this episode is packed with tips to elevate your game. 💪

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In this episode of the LAX Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon sits down with Villanova’s standout goalie, Anthony Wilson, to explore the mental and physical demands of playing one of the most challenging positions in sports. From his early days in goal to his first season starting for Villanova, Anthony shares his journey and the insights that have helped him thrive at the Division 1 level.

They dive into how Anthony’s background in soccer and golf sharpened his reflexes and focus, and why he believes that “next-shot mentality” is essential for any successful goalie. Anthony also discusses his approach to handling pressure, his high-arc positioning technique, and how he uses communication on the field to stay focused. Plus, hear about the unique culture within Villanova’s “goalie room” and their motto, GST: Goalies Stick Together.

Whether you’re a goalie looking for mental game tips or a parent supporting a young athlete, this episode offers tons of valuable insights. Don’t miss it!

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In this episode of the LAX Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon Wilson interviews Quinnipiac University goalie Mason Oak, the reigning MAC Defensive Player of the Year. Mason opens up about his journey from a youth lacrosse player to a standout D1 goalie, sharing valuable insights on mastering patience, developing the "next-shot mentality," and staying calm under pressure. He dives into his training regimen, stick setup, and the personalized drills that keep him game-ready. Mason also reflects on his leadership style and offers practical advice for young goalies looking to improve their game. Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with tips and stories that any lacrosse player, coach, or fan can learn from!

Topics covered:

• Patience and mental resilience as a goalie
• Mason’s unique training drills and angle techniques
• Goalie stick setup, stringing, and rebound control
• Leadership, goal-setting, and handling setbacks in high-stakes games

Whether you're a lacrosse goalie, coach, or fan, this episode is full of insights to elevate your understanding of the game.

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In this episode of the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon sits down with Colin Lenskold, the standout goalie for the University of Utah, to discuss his journey from Connecticut youth lacrosse to becoming a Division 1 starting goalie. Colin dives deep into the mental and physical techniques that have shaped his game, sharing his go-to reset routine after tough goals, his approach to building confidence with proper padding, and the drills that sharpen his footwork and positioning.

Throughout the conversation, Colin emphasizes the importance of playing with purpose and staying connected to the fun of the game. From advice on overcoming slumps to breaking down the intense practice sessions that make him game-ready, Colin offers valuable insights for goalies of all ages. Tune in for a motivating discussion on mindset, preparation, and the rewarding journey of building your own unique style in the cage.

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In this episode of the Lax Goalie Rat podcast, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with Clemson goalie Emily Lamparter. 

Emily shares her journey from being a young midfielder in New York to becoming a standout goalie at Clemson University. She reflects on the early days of her career, her transition to the goalie position, and the mental and physical challenges that have shaped her game. Throughout the conversation, Emily provides valuable insights on the importance of confidence, maintaining a positive mindset, and the impact of mentors in her lacrosse career. 

Whether you're a young goalie or a seasoned veteran, this episode is packed with tips, tricks, and inspiring moments from one of the top goalies in the collegiate game. Don't miss out on this engaging discussion with Emily Lamparter!

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This week on the Lax Goalie Rat podcast, I am joined by the second Moore brother on the podcast, Patrick from the University of Johns Hopkins and Lynchburg Alumni.

While Pat may not be from the biggest hotbed for lacrosse and had what some to consider a "late start" into the sport he still had quite the impact getting named All-American his senior year of high school and team captain for his high schools state finalist team.

Patrick started playing at Division III Lynchburg getting 97:18 in goal with a 50% save rate but quickly rose to be one of the best Division III goalies in the NCAA with many impressive stats such as starting all 21 games, being ranked 20th in the whole nation for saves, then ultimately ending his senior year off with an impressive 67.9% save rate on the season.

After getting a degree in Exercise Physiology at Lynchburg he decided to start pursuing a master's in health care management at Johns Hopkins where he ended up playing in goal for them.

Awesome conversation with this brick wall where we discuss exercise science, life at Hopkins, how a Lax Goalie Rat post made him alter his stance, plus a ton more. 

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On this episode of the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast, I am joined by a redshirt sophomore attending the University of Maryland, JJ Suriano.

JJ Suriano came from arguably the biggest hotbed for lacrosse, Baltimore, Maryland. She attended Bryn Mawr School where she was a four-year varsity starter. She was 2021, 2022, and 2023 IAAM A-Conference All-Conference Team.

On September 1st of her Junior year, her phone was buzzing receiving multiple calls from college coaches. One college stuck out to her, Maryland.

She had a visit scheduled for the 8th of September. At that visit, she recalls it was everything she wanted academically, socially, and from lacrosse. She felt the team was very connected and close and knew she wanted to become a Terrapin.

She was advised by her college coaches not to commit so quickly, but she knew where her heart was set and committed to The University of Maryland on September 9th, 2021, and never looked back.

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It's not often that a freshman goalkeeper earns the starting position on a team full of talent— but UAlbany's Landon Whitney shows the veterans how it's done.

With Whitney in the cage, the Danes ended the 2024 season with a winning record, securing the American East Conference Championship, and making it to the second round of the Division I NCAA Championship Tournament.

Hailing from the southern state of Georgia, Whitney isn't exactly from a lacrosse hotspot. Growing up in a large family, Whitney was well-versed in many sports, but eventually decided to focus on lacrosse. In this episode, Whitney discusses his transition into a northern-based boarding school, and how his decision to re-class helped him develop into a stronger athlete going into college.

Whitney shares his tips for "exuding confidence" as a young or experienced goalie, as well as his reasoning for his dramatic eyeblack, with roots back to middle school lacrosse.

A frequent attendee of Goaliesmith sessions, a training group of college-aged to middle school goalies, Whitney continues to grow his craft and shares how he learns from fellow goalies he is training alongside.

Whitney's dedication and appreciation for the sport go a long way, as he trains younger goalies while continuing to lead his team from in the crease. After an outstanding freshman year, I can't wait to see what this talented young man has in store for the future!

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On this episode of the Lax Goalie Rat podcast, I am joined by young breakout goalie Giancarlo Munaretto.

Giancarlo Munaretto grew up playing hockey and didn't think too much about other sports.

That was until in 6th grade when he decided to pick up lacrosse as a secondary sport. He played mid-field for his first two years. This was until his team needed a goalie and he decided he would try out. He ended up thoroughly enjoying playing goalie and started taking it seriously at the beginning of his 8th-grade year. Now a sophomore in High-School Giancarlo plays club lacrosse for True Illinois.

He has received coaching from many amazing goalies such as: Anderson Moore, Goaliesmith, and some ex-collegiate goalies in his home town.

I had the pleasure of coaching Giancarlo in my 6 week coaching program and it was awesome to work with him to level up the goalie game.

Giancarlo is all about having an amazing attitude and mindset because he believes that is the key to winning games. He discusses how you always have to enjoy playing because you never know when it could end. As well as always having a positive attitude around your team because when they see the goalie down their attitudes will drop as well.

Giancarlo also is a big believer in mastering the basics of a position to become the best possible player you can be.

Enjoy this conversation with rising star Giancarlo Munaretto.

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A couple episodes ago Florida goalie Elyse Finnelle kept raving about her goalie coach Arvak Marshall. Now we're lucky to be joined by the goalie coach himself. 

Arvak was the Head Coach at Southern High School from 2006 to 2020 as well as an M&D goalie coach for over 20 years!

Marshall is also the Commissioner for SCYA Rec club in Anne Arundel County, MD.

While his time as a youth started a little late in 7th grade he played a little goalie but mostly played attack he didn't truly start his time as a goalie until his coaching days started and his kids needed someone to shoot on so he courageously jumped in cage with no fear.

Arvak says that part of the reason he was so comfortable in goal is because he would be hit by defenders so often when playing attack that the ball in goal wasn't much different which helped him get right into it.

With that stay tuned for this great conversation with this amazing goalie coach Arvak Marshall.

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