In this episode of the LAX Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon sits down with professional lacrosse goalie Paulina DiFatta, an Athlete Unlimited player and standout goalie from the University of Pittsburgh.
Paulina shares her incredible journey from becoming a lacrosse goalie in fifth grade, to teaching herself the position through film study, overcoming three ACL injuries, transferring schools, earning All-American recognition, and reaching the professional level.
Her story is one of resilience, perseverance, and constantly finding ways to improve.
Episode Highlights
Becoming a Lacrosse Goalie
Paulina started her athletic journey as a soccer goalie before making the transition to lacrosse. She explains how the pressure, reactions, positioning, and comfort with shots flying at her helped make the transition easier.
She discusses:
- Why she immediately loved the goalie position
- How playing multiple sports shaped her competitive mindset
- Why embracing pressure is part of what makes being a goalie special
Learning the Position Through Film
Unlike many elite goalies, Paulina was mostly self-taught early in her career.
She shares how studying film helped her develop her game and learn from some of the best goalies in the sport, including Liz Hogan and Blaise Reardon.
She explains why young goalies should:
- Watch as much film as possible
- Learn different styles and techniques
- Build their own unique approach instead of copying another goalie
Choosing Lacrosse and Committing to the Sport
Growing up on Long Island, Paulina played multiple sports before realizing lacrosse was the sport she wanted to pursue at the highest level.
She talks about:
- Finding more joy in lacrosse than soccer
- Joining the Yellow Jackets program after missing tryouts
- Starting on the lowest team and using that as motivation to improve
Overcoming Three ACL Injuries
A major part of Paulina’s story is her ability to overcome adversity.
She opens up about suffering three ACL injuries and the mental challenges that came with each one.
Paulina discusses:
- Losing lacrosse as an outlet while injured
- Finding a new role as a teammate from the sideline
- Staying motivated through long rehabilitation processes
- How those challenges helped her become a stronger player and teammate
She explains how she learned that setbacks can become opportunities for growth.
Finding the Right College Fit
Paulina began her college career at Fairfield before transferring to Elon and eventually finishing her career at Pittsburgh.
She shares:
- How she knew Fairfield was not the right long-term fit
- The importance of listening to yourself when making big decisions
- Finding a program where she felt supported both as an athlete and a person
At Elon, she found a culture that prioritized:
- Mental health
- Player development
- Supporting athletes beyond lacrosse
Building Pitt’s Lacrosse Program
Paulina’s graduate season at Pittsburgh became a defining moment in her career.
As part of Pitt’s inaugural women’s lacrosse program, she helped create the team culture from the ground up.
She discusses:
- Establishing traditions and team identity
- Building relationships with teammates
- Leading through consistency and connection
During her season at Pitt, Paulina:
- Led the ACC in saves
- Earned All-American recognition
- Helped establish the foundation of a new Division I program
Making the Jump to Athlete Unlimited
Paulina’s selection to Athlete Unlimited came as a surprise. She was watching the draft when she heard her name called.
She talks about:
- The surreal experience of being drafted
- Competing alongside some of the best players in the world
- Learning from elite athletes and goalies
- Why even professional players should continue approaching the game as students
Training Like a Professional Goalie
Paulina shares the training habits that helped her reach the next level.
Her routine includes:
- Wall ball several times per week
- Shooting sessions with her brother
- One-on-one drills
- Film study
One of her favorite drills is 1v1 work, where attackers drive from different areas of the field and challenge her in game-like situations.
Mental Game Lessons
Paulina emphasizes that mental toughness is just as important as physical technique.
Her biggest mental lessons include:
- Do not compare your journey to someone else’s
- Focus on improving your own game
- Learn from mistakes without dwelling on them
- Stay connected to why you play
After allowing a goal, her reset routine is simple:
“Reset. Refocus.”
She gives herself a few seconds to understand what happened, identify what she can improve, and then move forward.
Leadership as a Goalie
Paulina explains that leadership does not always mean being the loudest person on the team.
Her leadership style focuses on:
- Building relationships
- Understanding teammates
- Helping others improve
- Being a steady presence for the team
She encourages young goalies to recognize that leadership can look different for everyone.
Stick Setup
Paulina discusses the equipment setup she trusts as a professional goalie.
She uses a StringKing goalie head with soft mesh and their attack shaft.
She explains why she likes the setup:
- The flat design helps her get to low shots quicker
- The head allows her to collapse on the ball effectively
- The lightweight feel helps her play comfortably
She also shares that while the forward-slanted scoop took some adjustment, it has become one of her favorite goalie heads.
Final Advice From Paulina
Paulina’s message to young goalies is simple:
Keep working toward your craft.
She encourages goalies to:
- Be proud of the work they put in
- Continue improving every day
- Trust that consistent effort pays off
Her journey from a self-taught goalie to an Athlete Unlimited professional is a reminder that development is not always a straight line — but persistence matters.
About Paulina DiFatta
Paulina DiFatta is an Athlete Unlimited professional lacrosse goalie and former standout at the University of Pittsburgh.
She is known for her resilience, leadership, competitive mindset, and ability to overcome adversity throughout her career.
Follow Paulina’s journey on Instagram:
@PaulinaDiFatta
Key Takeaways
- Film study is one of the best tools for goalie development.
- Your style does not have to look like anyone else’s.
- Adversity can become a strength.
- Mental skills are just as important as physical skills.
- Great leaders support and elevate those around them.
- Keep working — the process pays off.
