LAX Goalie Rat Podcast: Mike “Piggy” Federico — Three-Time NCAA Champion on Leadership, Team Culture, and the Art of Goaltending

In this episode of the LAX Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon sits down with Johns Hopkins lacrosse legend Mike “Piggy” Federico, one of the most accomplished goalies in college lacrosse history.

Federico was a three-time First Team All-American, a three-time recipient of the C. Markland Kelly Award as the nation’s top Division I goalie, and the goalie who helped lead Johns Hopkins to three straight NCAA championships from 1978–1980. He was later named to the Johns Hopkins All-Time Team and the NCAA Silver Anniversary Team.

Mike shares the story of how he went from being a reluctant goalie in middle school to becoming one of the most dominant players in the history of the position. Throughout the conversation, he shares timeless lessons about leadership, preparation, mindset, team chemistry, and what it takes to excel in the cage.

In this episode, Mike Federico discusses:

• How he became a goalie after being handed a goalie stick and told, “You’re the other goalie”
• Getting cut from the JV lacrosse team and using that setback as motivation to improve
• Why adversity early in your career can become a turning point
• How he ended up at Johns Hopkins and became part of one of the greatest eras in college lacrosse history
• The importance of coaching, teammates, and culture in building championship teams
• Why successful programs are built on three pillars: management, employees, and culture — or in sports, coaching, players, and chemistry
• What made the 1978, 1979, and 1980 Hopkins teams so special
• Learning from elite teammates and defensive leaders
• Why goalies must attack the ball instead of letting the ball play them
• The evolution of goalie equipment and how changes in sticks and mesh affected the position
• His approach to positioning, angles, and staying square to the shooter
• Why simple fundamentals often separate great goalies from everyone else
• The importance of playing multiple sports and how basketball, squash, and other activities helped develop athletic skills
• How he approached leadership as a goalie without constantly yelling at teammates
• Why actions speak louder than words when building trust with a defense
• The mental side of goaltending and developing the “next shot” mentality
• His routine after giving up a goal and how he reset before the next play
• Why goalies need to embrace that they will get scored on and learn to move forward
• How he coached younger goalies and helped them improve without forcing them to completely change their style
• The importance of finding small adjustments that create big improvements
• Why positioning, balance, and a consistent routine are critical for goalies
• His advice for young goalies: believe in yourself, work harder than anyone else, and have fun

The championship mindset

Mike explains that those Hopkins championship teams were successful because they had great leaders, talented players, excellent coaching, and a shared belief system.

One of the biggest lessons from his career is that winning starts long before game day. It comes from the habits built in practice, the relationships created within a team, and the commitment to getting better every day.

Mike Federico’s advice for young goalies

“Believe in yourself, work harder than anybody else, and most important, have fun.”

A simple message, but one that defined a legendary career.

Topics covered:

• Lacrosse goalie development
• Johns Hopkins lacrosse history
• NCAA championships
• Goalie mindset
• Leadership
• Team culture
• Defensive communication
• Goalie positioning
• Clearing fundamentals
• Mental toughness
• Building confidence

About Mike Federico

Mike Federico is a Johns Hopkins lacrosse legend who helped lead the Blue Jays to three consecutive NCAA championships from 1978–1980. A three-time First Team All-American and three-time C. Markland Kelly Award winner, Federico remains one of the most decorated goalies in college lacrosse history.

After his playing career, Mike continued giving back to the game through coaching and mentoring young players, sharing the knowledge and lessons he learned from decades in the sport.

Thanks for listening to the LAX Goalie Rat Podcast, the show dedicated 100% to the best position in sports — the lacrosse goalie.

For more goalie training, drills, and resources, visit LaxGoalieRat.com.