Episode 7: Johnny Rodriguez of Crease Coach Shares His Lacrosse Goalie Keys to Success

In this episode of the LAX Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with Johnny Rodriguez, former Division II All-American goalie at Salisbury University and former professional lacrosse player for the Denver Outlaws in the MLL.

Johnny shares his journey from starting lacrosse as a kid with a hockey background to becoming one of the top goalies in the country. He discusses how early influences like Tillman Johnson, Brett Queener, Jesse Schwartzman, and Matt Russell shaped his approach to the position and helped him understand what it takes to become an elite goalie.

The conversation dives deep into the technical, physical, and mental sides of goaltending, including playing outside the crease, developing consistency, preparing mentally, communicating with defenders, and becoming a leader on the field. Johnny also explains how his experiences as a player have shaped his coaching philosophy and his mission to grow the game of lacrosse.

In This Episode

Johnny explains how he first discovered lacrosse after growing up playing hockey and how picking up a goalie stick at a young age led him to playing the position for the next 15+ years.

He shares how watching Tillman Johnson’s performance in the 2003 NCAA Championship changed his perspective on what a goalie could do and inspired him to become a player who could take over games.

They discuss Johnny’s aggressive style of play, including running out of the crease, making defensive plays, picking off passes, and helping his team transition into offense.

Johnny breaks down his evolution as a goalie, from simply getting reps, to building consistency, to developing the mental confidence needed to perform at the highest level.

He talks about the importance of preparation, smart practice habits, and quality repetitions instead of just taking endless shots without purpose.

The conversation explores how Johnny developed mental toughness through consistency, preparation, and creating a mindset where he trusted the work he had already put in.

Johnny explains how goalies can use mental reps, visualization, and routines to prepare for games when they cannot get as many physical repetitions.

They discuss handling goals against, resetting mentally after mistakes, and maintaining confidence when facing adversity during games.

Johnny shares how his playing experience has helped him become a better goalie coach and why teaching the position has improved his own understanding of the game.

Key Takeaways

Great goalies are more than shot stoppers. The best goalies impact the game through communication, leadership, clearing, and making plays outside of the crease.

Consistency is built through preparation. Goalies become reliable by practicing with the same focus and intensity every day.

Work smarter, not just harder. Quality repetitions with proper technique create improvement faster than mindless practice.

Mental toughness comes from trusting your preparation and focusing on controllable actions like communication, positioning, effort, and focus.

Goalies should learn from other great players but develop their own style that fits their strengths and abilities.

Being active outside of the crease adds another dimension to a goalie’s game and can help the entire defense succeed.

Topics Covered

• Johnny’s journey from hockey player to lacrosse goalie
• Discovering the goalie position at a young age
• The influence of Tillman Johnson and other legendary goalies
• Developing an aggressive and athletic goalie style
• Playing outside the crease and helping the defense
• Division II lacrosse at Salisbury University
• Winning national recognition and becoming an All-American goalie
• Transitioning to professional lacrosse with the Denver Outlaws
• Building consistency through practice habits
• The importance of mental preparation and visualization
• How to recover after giving up goals
• Developing communication skills as a goalie
• The role of goalies as defensive leaders
• Common mistakes among young goalies
• Teaching goalie fundamentals and mental toughness
• Growing the game through coaching and youth development

Memorable Moments

Johnny explains how seeing Tillman Johnson dominate the 2003 NCAA Championship made him realize that goalies could completely change the outcome of a game.

He shares how Brett Queener’s ability to make plays all over the field influenced his aggressive playing style and motivated him throughout his career.

Johnny talks about learning consistency at Salisbury and how becoming mentally prepared every day helped him reach the next level.

He explains the importance of mental reps and how veteran goalies can prepare themselves even when they cannot physically practice every day.

Johnny discusses his transition from player to coach and how teaching younger goalies has helped him better understand the position.

Guest

Johnny Rodriguez
Former Salisbury University All-American goalie and Denver Outlaws professional lacrosse player

Resources Mentioned

• LAX Goalie Rat Camp
• Goalie training videos and clinics
• Film study for goalies
• Mental preparation techniques
• Buku Lacrosse and youth development programs

Sponsor

This episode is sponsored by the LAX Goalie Rat Camp. The online camp includes over 80 instructional videos and a complete curriculum covering goalie technique, footwork, positioning, clearing, and the mental side of becoming a dominant lacrosse goalie.

Learn more at laxgoalierat.com/goal

Closing

Johnny Rodriguez’s message is clear: becoming an elite goalie requires more than natural ability. Great goalies are built through consistent preparation, smart training, strong communication, and a mindset focused on improvement.

Whether you are a young goalie learning the position or an experienced player looking to improve, the biggest difference makers are the habits you build every day.