Michigan starting goalie Shane Carr joins the show to share his journey from backyard shooting sessions with his older brother to becoming the starting goalie for one of the nation's top Division I programs.
Shane opens up about the recruiting process, overcoming setbacks, and why working with a sports psychologist transformed his game. He also breaks down his pregame routine, post-goal reset, goalie stance, and several game-saving stops against Notre Dame.
If you're looking to improve the mental side of your game, this episode is packed with actionable advice.
In This Episode
- How Shane first became a goalie (and why avoiding conditioning helped!)
- Growing up in Maryland and learning the position through backyard reps
- Why wrestling became one of the biggest influences on his mental toughness
- The love-hate relationship every goalie has with getting hit by the ball
- Building confidence through fundamentals instead of flashy saves
- Developing elite hand speed and patience in the cage
- Why Shane switched to a wider goalie stance and how it changed his game
- The importance of strength training for explosiveness
- His recruiting journey, including the challenges of being overlooked despite winning four state championships
- Attending prep school before arriving at Michigan
- Earning the starting job through persistence and mental growth
- How Michigan's sports psychologist helped elevate his confidence
- Separating why you play from how you play
- Learning to ignore outside pressure from coaches, parents, fans, and scouts
- Creating an effective post-goal reset routine
- Why confidence is something you build every day—not something you permanently achieve
- A breakdown of several key saves against Notre Dame
- Equipment talk, stick setup, gloves, and pregame routine
Key Takeaways
Confidence is built through small habits.
Shane explains that confidence isn't permanent. It's something that has to be rebuilt every day through preparation, breathing, positive self-talk, and trusting your training.
Your reset routine matters.
After every goal, Shane:
- Gives himself a few seconds to acknowledge the mistake.
- Clears the ball from the goal.
- Communicates with his defense.
- Takes a deep breath.
- Repeats a positive mantra.
- Physically resets by touching the pipes before the next possession.
"I can make this save."
One of the biggest lessons Shane learned from working with a sports psychologist was replacing pressure with confidence.
Instead of thinking:
"I have to make this save."
He tells himself:
"I can make this save."
That subtle shift changes his mindset from fear to trust.
Separate your motivation from your performance.
Shane shares a powerful distinction:
- Why you play: your family, teammates, coaches, and everyone who has supported your journey.
- How you play: complete focus on the present moment and trusting yourself to make the next save.
Trying to play for other people's approval only creates unnecessary pressure.
Patience creates more saves.
Throughout the film breakdown, Shane explains how waiting just a fraction longer allows him to read shooters instead of guessing. Combined with quick hands, his patience lets him react rather than anticipate.
Favorite Quote
"You're in the cage for a reason. Trust yourself and make the saves. Not everyone can play goalie—you're a special breed."
Resources Mentioned
- Free Hop Technique Training: laxgoalierat.com/hop
Connect
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As always...
Get out there. Get some work in.
Do well and be well.
