Episode 2: Austin Geisler on Goalie Confidence, Preparation, and Playing at the Highest Level

In this episode of the LAX Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with Austin Geisler, former Division 1 goalie, 2011 national champion with the University of Virginia, High Point University alum, and professional goalie with the Chesapeake Bayhawks.

Austin shares his journey from youth lacrosse in Fredericksburg, Virginia, to playing college lacrosse at Virginia and High Point, then continuing his career in Major League Lacrosse. He talks about what drew him to the goalie position, how playing multiple sports shaped his athletic style, and why confidence, preparation, and extra work are essential for goalies at every level.

In This Episode

Austin breaks down what it takes to succeed as a lacrosse goalie, including the physical, technical, and mental sides of the position. He explains why goalies need to be athletes, not just players willing to stand in the cage, and how he has built his game around explosiveness, preparation, and confidence.

He also shares advice for young goalies, including how to handle fear of the ball, how to stay ready even as a backup, how to recover mentally from injuries, and why watching your own highlights can help rebuild confidence during a slump.

Key Takeaways

Goalies need to embrace the position fully. Austin explains that getting hit by shots comes with the territory, and young goalies must learn to see body saves as part of the job.

Playing other sports can make you a better goalie. Austin’s background in hockey, basketball, and soccer helped shape his athletic, aggressive style in the cage.

Preparation builds confidence. Whether it is lifting, footwork, wall ball, film study, or extra reps, Austin emphasizes that consistent preparation gives goalies confidence when it is time to perform.

Backup goalies must always stay ready. Austin points out that a goalie is always one play away from entering the game, so preparation matters whether you are the starter, backup, or third-string goalie.

Technique still matters during extra reps. Austin warns that simply taking shots is not enough. Goalies need coached reps that reinforce proper fundamentals, balance, stepping, and explosiveness.

Goalies should be active leaders. Communication, presence outside the crease, and being a seventh defender are all major parts of the position.

Topics Covered

• Austin’s lacrosse journey from Virginia to High Point to the MLL

• Why he became a goalie

• How hockey influenced his goalie style

• Playing multiple positions before focusing on goalie

• Why confidence is critical for lacrosse goalies

• How Austin prepares during the MLL season

• Training without a full-time team structure

• Adjusting workouts around injuries

• Why goalies need to be explosive athletes

• Advice Austin would give his younger self

• The importance of weight room training

• Mental toughness and positive self-talk

• Recovering mentally from injuries

• How to get out of a goalie slump

• Coaching youth goalies

• Common mistakes Austin sees in young goalies

• Why goalies should communicate

• Austin’s thoughts on stepping and positioning

• His pregame routine

• His current stick setup

• Giving back to the lacrosse community

Memorable Moments

Austin talks about volunteering to play goalie in sixth grade simply because he was the only kid wearing a cup at practice.

He shares how his athletic style comes from playing multiple sports, especially hockey, where he played as an offensive defenseman.

Austin explains that one of the best ways to get out of a slump is to make a highlight video and watch yourself being successful.

He also shares his unique pregame routine, which includes chicken parm the night before games, shaving on game day, clipping his fingernails, foam rolling, stretching, and listening to Explosions in the Sky.

Guest

Austin Geisler is a former Division 1 lacrosse goalie who played at the University of Virginia and High Point University. He was part of Virginia’s 2011 national championship team and later played professionally in Major League Lacrosse with teams including the Ohio Machine, Denver Outlaws, Florida Launch, and Chesapeake Bayhawks.

Follow Austin on Instagram and Twitter: @doctorGeisler

Resources Mentioned

LAX Goalie Rat Camp: laxgoalierat.com/goal
Warrior Nemesis 2
East Coast Dyes Hero Mesh
Explosions in the Sky
TB12 Method

Sponsor

This episode is sponsored by the LAX Goalie Rat Camp. The online camp includes over 80 videos covering how to play and coach the goalie position, including the physical, technical, and mental skills needed to succeed. It also includes more than 47 drills to help coaches and goalies build elite goalie skills.

Learn more at laxgoalierat.com/goal.

Closing

Austin’s message to goalies is simple: put in the extra work, develop your fundamentals, keep your stick in your hands, and enjoy the process. The goalie position is special, and the more you commit to preparation, confidence, and continual improvement, the better you will become.