Lax Goalie Rat Podcast

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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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On today’s episode of the Lax Goalie Rat podcast, I’m joined by rising high school senior and DII commit Madison Weaver.

Madi is heading into her senior year at Jefferson Forest High School and plays for Valley Select Lacrosse out of Forest, VA.

Madi has committed to the fairly new Emory and Henry College to play Division 2 and pursue her passion for playing lacrosse goalie throughout her time in college.

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Being the coach's daughter in sixth grade, when the goalie position was vacated Karli Jo Weisser had to step up.

It stuck, and six years later Weisser is going to play Division 1 lacrosse at San Diego State University, her dream school.

The Adrenaline All-American hopes to grow into a leader at her new school, and already shares a close connection with her class of teammates.

In this podcast episode, Weisser shares her experience in the recruiting process, and her unique take on the technique to get to her top school.

An experience filled with trusted clubs, coaches, and teammates, Weisser enjoys a more conservative approach to the recruiting process, and shares various tips for younger goalies looking into the next level.

Weisser shares how she's getting ready for the upcoming transition into college lacrosse, enhancing her skills and going above and beyond with her summer workout packet.

A quote she shares from past coaches sits close to her heart— "If you're not going to train insane, you're going to remain the same". Weisser aimed to stay competitive after committing to San Diego State during her junior year, a mindset not typically shared by other college commits.

Her work ethic and attitude towards the mental and physical side of goalie is intense and worthwhile, and she spends time coaching younger goalies, while also receiving a different perspective of the position from the coaching side.

A great talk with a wonderful athlete, excited to see what she accomplishes in college!

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What if you could transform your sports career by embracing multiple roles on the field? Florida All-American goalie Elise Fennell shares her inspiring journey from field player to standout goalie, revealing how her father's advice to play both positions elevated her lacrosse IQ. Elise recounts her pivotal decision during a practice session with Maryland United, which solidified her commitment to the goalie position. She highlights the crucial role of leadership, confidence, and resilience in her development as a top-notch lacrosse goalie.

Transitioning from a field player to a goalie comes with unique physical and strategic demands, which Elise navigates masterfully. This episode covers how experiences in midfield and defense can enrich a goalie's perspective and leadership. Elise also underscores the value of effective communication with coaches during such transitions and the immeasurable impact of mentorship. Hear how a high school coach's straightforward yet powerful guidance shaped her both as an athlete and an individual.

Being a lacrosse goalie isn't just about physical prowess; it requires immense mental toughness. Elise discusses coping strategies like the "flush it down" mentality to move past mistakes quickly and maintain focus. She shares her experience of stepping up to the college level, where the game's speed and complexity intensify. Elise reflects on her successful season, emphasizing team camaraderie, mental resilience, and strategic approaches to high-pressure situations. Dive into this episode for an in-depth look at what it takes to excel as a lacrosse goalie and leader.

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Unlock the secrets to mental toughness and athletic resilience with Georgetown's standout goalie, Anderson Moore. In this engaging episode of the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast, Anderson shares his incredible journey from starting as a lacrosse goalie in second grade to earning the starting position as a freshman at Georgetown. Learn how his older brother's influence and the unique challenges of growing up in Alabama shaped his early career and mindset. Anderson also provides a firsthand account of the exhilarating upset against Notre Dame and the crucial lessons he took away from a challenging first game.

Discover the mental strategies that can transform a goalie's game, as we explore techniques for overcoming pressure and self-doubt. You'll hear about the importance of controlling what you can control, maintaining a positive mindset, and the value of having fun on the field. Anderson's personal experiences, including a tough game against Loyola, shed light on the mental growth required to excel in high-stakes situations. We also dive into the significance of film analysis, understanding offensive and defensive strategies, and how these elements can enhance your game IQ and leadership.

Get ready to elevate your skills with insights on technique adjustment, the benefits of attending specialized training camps, and the rituals that help collegiate goalies perform at their best. Anderson shares his approach to balancing familiar stances with new techniques, the invigorating experience of attending camps like Goalie Smith, and the mental resilience needed for overtime games. Plus, learn about Anderson's pre-game routines and gear preferences that keep him at the top of his game. Don't miss this opportunity to join the Lax Goalie Rat Academy and gain access to a comprehensive training resource designed for goalies at all levels.

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What does it take to earn the starting goalie spot as a freshman at a top-tier lacrosse program like Duke University? Find out in this episode of the Lax Goalie Rap Podcast, where we chat with Patrick Jamison, the standout freshman goalie who has taken the lacrosse world by storm. Patrick opens up about his unique path from being a competitive club player to stepping into the shoes of a national championship finalist. He shares his mindset, training techniques, and the invaluable lessons learned from renowned coach Alex Reddy, giving listeners a rare glimpse into the elements that have fueled his extraordinary freshman season.

Ever wondered how a goalie mentally prepares for the barrage of shots in a high-stakes game? Patrick takes us back to his early days in lacrosse, starting as a goalie out of a simple dislike for running, and the transformative experiences at Net Nation camps led by Brian Docherty. We explore the importance of mental resilience, the "next shot" mentality, and the Philly flow system that emphasizes efficient movement. Patrick also talks about his transition from midfield to goalie, the supportive role of influential coaches like Drew Adams and Austin Coutt, and the joy he finds in mentoring young goalies.

As we wrap up, Patrick reflects on the challenges of adapting to higher levels of play, from high school to college, and the importance of maintaining consistency in fundamental techniques. He shares practical advice on adjusting to faster ball movement and higher shot speeds, emphasizing the need for mental toughness and the ability to quickly move past poor performances. We also delve into his gear preferences, shedding light on the specifics of his setup and the nuances of stringing his own heads. Don’t miss this insightful conversation with one of college lacrosse’s rising stars, filled with valuable lessons for goalies at every level.

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Join us as young lacrosse sensation Taylor Connolly, the 11-year-old goalie who's been guarding the net since she was just five, shares her inspiring journey. Learn how Taylor's initial inspiration came from an older goalie and hear about her unique experiences splitting game time and balancing field play with her goalie duties. Discover her learning journey through camps like Net Nation and guidance from coaches Joe Karpinski and Ted Glynn. Taylor also highlights her focus on mastering essential skills such as moving to the ball and effectively clearing it, along with improving her reaction time to tackle harder shots. Hear about her admiration for professional goalies Katie Glenn and Katie Dever and how their techniques have influenced her game.

Explore the mental strategies Taylor uses to stay calm and reset after mistakes, as well as the vital role of communication and leadership in lacrosse. She emphasizes the importance of constructive feedback, trust, and team familiarity, which are crucial for overall performance. The episode also touches on the significance of reviewing game footage for performance analysis. Finally, we celebrate Taylor's dedication and encourage you to follow her lacrosse journey on social media. Get insights into her club season, league schedule, and upcoming tournaments, and be inspired by this young athlete's unwavering commitment to the sport.

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Have you ever tackled a completely new challenge head-on? That's exactly what Allison Ohanian did when she traded her field hockey goalie gear for a lacrosse stick and stepped into the goal crease. In an episode that's as much about personal growth as it is about sports, Allison, from Walsh University, shares her experience with this transition, offering insights into her proactive learning style, the mental fortitude required for goalkeeping, and the joys of collegiate lacrosse. Her journey is peppered with lessons from Ohio's club lacrosse scene, advice from professional goalies, and the highs and lows of college recruitment.

When it comes to gearing up, Allison knows what works for her, from her STX Eclipse 2 to the comfort of her ECD Carbon Pro shaft. But beyond the physical equipment, we take a deep dive into the mental health side of athletics, an area Allison is passionate about. Through her advocacy with Morgan's Message, she speaks candidly about managing anxiety and fostering resilience. Listeners are invited to peek inside the personal strategies, such as journaling, that keep Allison grounded both on the field and in her nursing studies.

Rounding out our discussion, we consider the cutting-edge aspects of sports technology, like the use of AI to understand athletes' mental states better. Allison's insights into the goalie community, her attendance at goalie summits, and her love for the game provide a heartfelt conclusion to an episode that will leave goalies and non-goalies alike inspired. Her parting advice? It's all about savoring the moments, enjoying the journey, and the irreplaceable bond with your teammates.

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to stand firm between the posts, facing down the intensity of competitive lacrosse? Michigan's starting goalie Erin O'Grady joins us to share her personal journey from an inventive second-grader avoiding running to a strategic visionary on the lacrosse field. Her candid reflections on the benefits of playing multiple sports and the role they've played in shaping her as an exceptional athlete provide a fascinating look into the makings of a lacrosse great. We also unpack the collective spirit of the game, reminding us that victory is not just about the goalie's prowess but a team's unified effort.

Erin's narrative continues as she describes the crucial support from her parents, who knew little about lacrosse, but understood the universal language of encouragement in sports. She takes us behind the scenes of a young athlete's life, from selecting the right club to handling the spotlight's pressure with grace and resilience. Listeners will be inspired by Erin's "eyes on the prize" attitude and how her high school experience at St. Anthony's became a pivot towards her aspiration of playing Division 1 lacrosse. Her story is punctuated by the influential figures in her life, including her role models Devon Wills and Asa Goldstock, who helped shape her approach to goaltending.

Lastly, we explore the intricate techniques and mental frameworks that define the life of a lacrosse goalie. Erin offers insights into breathwork and the grounding influence of faith, highlighting how these practices enhance focus and identity both on and off the field. She gives us a play-by-play on key moments in the goalie's box, where quick reflexes and mental toughness are paramount. It's all about bouncing back from setbacks with a short-term memory, and Erin exemplifies this with her resilience and unwavering spirit. Join us to catch the adrenaline-fueled moments and the profound wisdom that comes with protecting the goal.

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