Episode 6: Goalie Smith Brothers - Mike and Andrew Gvozden

In this episode of the LAX Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with Mike and Andrew Gvozden, founders of Goalie Smith and former Division I lacrosse goalies at Johns Hopkins and Hofstra.

The brothers break down their journey from growing up in Maryland to playing Division I lacrosse and how their different paths shaped their understanding of the goalie position. They dive deep into the technical and mental side of goaltending, including stance work, consistency, communication, loose hands, and how goalies can train themselves to perform under pressure.

They also share how Goalie Smith was built, their coaching philosophy, and how they use simple teaching systems and mnemonic devices to help goalies learn faster and play more consistently.

In This Episode

Mike and Andrew explain how they first discovered lacrosse and eventually became goalies through very different paths. One was driven by an early fascination with the position and attending camps, while the other discovered the position through simply trying the sport and learning through experience.

They discuss their Division I experiences and what it takes to perform at the highest level, including how the college game forces goalies to develop consistency, mental toughness, preparation, and professionalism.

The conversation explores how they now coach goalies through Goalie Smith using structured systems, visual learning tools, and repeatable language to help athletes improve faster and retain information.

Mike and Andrew explain how small technical adjustments can create major improvements, especially when it comes to stance, hand position, balance, and movement.

They break down the importance of loose hands and how staying relaxed allows goalies to react faster and make more natural saves.

The brothers discuss how goalies can train under pressure and develop the mindset needed to stay confident and consistent during high-level competition.

Key Takeaways

Consistency comes from preparation.
Goalies perform best when their warmups, routines, and mindset are repeatable every time they step into the cage.

Stance determines everything.
Small adjustments in posture, hand position, and balance can completely change a goalie’s ability to move and make saves.

Loose hands equal faster reactions.
Tension slows goalies down. Keeping the hands relaxed allows quicker, more natural movements.

Mental toughness is built through control.
Goalies should focus on controllables like stance, tracking, preparation, communication, and effort.

Film and awareness accelerate growth.
Watching film helps goalies recognize habits and mistakes they may not feel during live play.

Be a fighter in net.
The most consistent goalies compete on every shot regardless of the score, momentum, or situation.

Topics Covered

• Becoming a goalie through different pathways
• Youth lacrosse development in Maryland
• Division I experiences at Johns Hopkins and Hofstra
• Lessons learned from college lacrosse
• How to develop consistency as a goalie
• Handling pressure and losing at the elite level
• Loose hands and relaxed mechanics
• Athletic vs explosive save techniques
• Inside vs outside shot philosophy
• Goalie communication systems including BSC (Ball, Slide, Command)
• Clearing and throwing mechanics including the crow hop
• Common stance mistakes in young goalies
• Teaching methods and visual learning tools
• Building Goalie Smith and their coaching philosophy
• The mental approach to goalie performance

Memorable Moments

Mike shares how attending a summer camp at Loyola helped him discover his potential as a goalie and realize that the position was where he could truly thrive.

Andrew tells the story of first playing goalie after being introduced to lacrosse unexpectedly and how winning a youth tournament helped spark his long-term commitment to the position.

The brothers reflect on their Division I careers and the lessons they learned about performing consistently, handling losses on big stages, and developing professionalism.

They explain the origin of “loose hands,” one of Goalie Smith’s core concepts that emphasizes relaxation, natural movement, and avoiding unnecessary tension when making saves.

A major highlight is their discussion on mental toughness and how goalie training is similar to boxing training: structured, repeatable, and focused on building resilience over time.

Guests

Mike Gvozden
Co-founder of Goalie Smith and former Division I lacrosse goalie at Johns Hopkins

Andrew Gvozden
Co-founder of Goalie Smith and former Division I lacrosse goalie at Hofstra

Resources Mentioned

• LAX Goalie Rat Camp
• Goalie Smith training programs
• Film study for goalies
• Goalie training clinics and camps

Sponsor

This episode is sponsored by the LAX Goalie Rat Camp.

The online camp includes over 80 instructional videos and dozens of drills covering technique, footwork, positioning, clearing, and the mental side of becoming a dominant lacrosse goalie.

Learn more at laxgoalierat.com/goal

Closing

Mike and Andrew’s message is simple: consistency beats talent over time.

Build strong fundamentals, stay relaxed under pressure, trust your preparation, and treat every practice like a game situation.

The best goalies are not just reactive athletes. They are disciplined, repeatable, and mentally tough competitors who fight for every shot.