LGR 213: Emily Perrin on the Importance of Mindfulness for Goalies

What if the key to becoming a better lacrosse goalie isn't making more saves—but learning how to manage your mind?

In this episode of the LAX Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon sits down with Emily Perrin, a licensed therapist, mindfulness coach, former Division I soccer player at Virginia, and former Penn assistant coach. Emily has worked with Division I athletes, PLL players, USA Lacrosse, and top college programs to help athletes strengthen their mental game.

Together, they explore one of the most overlooked aspects of goalie performance: mental health, mindfulness, confidence, and anxiety.

Emily explains why feeling nervous before a game is completely normal, why trying to "fix" anxiety often makes it worse, and how goalies can build resilience by understanding—not fighting—their emotions. She also shares practical advice for parents and coaches on how to better support athletes through pressure, setbacks, and difficult moments.

Whether you're a goalie, coach, or goalie parent, this conversation offers valuable tools to improve performance while creating a healthier relationship with the mental side of sports.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why pregame anxiety is normal—even for elite athletes
• The true meaning of mindfulness and how it improves performance
• How to recognize anxiety in your body before it affects your play
• Why confidence comes and goes—and what matters more than confidence
• How self-compassion helps athletes recover from mistakes faster
• Why goalies often carry unnecessary guilt after losses
• Practical ways to process emotions instead of suppressing them
• How mindfulness strengthens the mind-body connection
• Why validation is one of the most powerful tools parents and coaches can use
• Better ways to respond when an athlete says they're nervous
• The importance of listening instead of trying to immediately solve problems
• Simple habits that help athletes mentally recover after tough games

About Emily Perrin

Emily Perrin is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), certified mindfulness meditation teacher, certified breath coach, registered yoga teacher, and former Division I soccer player at the University of Virginia. After coaching at the University of Pennsylvania, she shifted her career toward helping athletes improve mental performance through mindfulness, emotional regulation, and mental wellness.

She has worked with collegiate programs, professional athletes, PLL players, USA Lacrosse, and athletes across multiple sports to develop practical mental skills that improve both performance and overall well-being.

Resources Mentioned

• Emily Perrin Wellness & Performance
• LAX Goalie Rat Academy
• LAX Goalie Summit

Connect with Emily

• Website: Perrin Wellness & Performance
• Instagram: @emilyperrinlmsw
• YouTube: Emily Perrin

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