Episode Summary
In this episode, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with legendary college lacrosse coach Bill Tierney for an in-depth conversation about the goalie position, building championship teams, recruiting elite talent, and the mindset that separates great goalies from everyone else.
Coach Tierney shares why he prefers goalies who play on the goal line, how he taught his son Trevor Tierney to become one of the greatest goalies in lacrosse history, what he looks for when recruiting goalies to Denver, and why parents—especially goalie moms—have one of the toughest jobs in sports.
The conversation also dives into the stories behind Princeton's rise from the bottom of the Ivy League to national champions, the dramatic 1992 NCAA Championship, coaching in overtime, pulling goalies in championship games, and the leadership lessons that have defined Coach Tierney's Hall of Fame career.
Whether you're a goalie, parent, coach, or lacrosse fan, this episode is packed with decades of wisdom from one of the sport's greatest minds.
In This Episode
- Why Coach Tierney believes the only non-negotiable for goalies is protecting the inside pipe
- High arc vs. goal-line goalie play: the pros and cons
- Why Denver recruits goalies who play "at home" on the goal line
- The debate between "stick first" vs. "body first" goaltending
- How Trevor Tierney accidentally became a goalie at six years old
- The simple footwork drills that built Trevor's foundation
- Why stepping along the goal line is more important than stepping toward shooters
- Advice for goalie parents—especially moms
- Why great goalies blame themselves (and why that's both a strength and a challenge)
- Coaching soccer at Johns Hopkins with almost no soccer experience
- Turning Princeton from a struggling program into a national powerhouse
- Recruiting the legendary Princeton classes of the early 1990s
- Why Bill Tierney turned down the Johns Hopkins head coaching job
- The famous conversation with Trevor Baptiste ("Batch") that helped him stay at Princeton
- Behind the scenes of Princeton's dramatic 1992 National Championship
- What Coach Tierney said to Trevor Tierney after his costly turnover in the title game
- Pulling goalies in NCAA Tournament games—and why those decisions sometimes changed championships
- Why Denver carried seven goalies on its roster
- What makes a recruit stand out beyond talent
- Why grades, character, and multi-sport athletes matter
- The recruiting mistake every goalie highlight reel makes
- How to give a memorable pregame speech
- When Coach Tierney knows it will be time to retire
Coach Tierney's Best Advice for Goalies
Protect the inside pipe.
No matter your stance, arc, or style, giving up goals on the inside pipe is the one thing Coach Tierney refuses to compromise on.
Play your game.
Every goalie develops differently. The best goalies understand their own strengths rather than trying to copy everyone else.
Body first.
With today's shooters releasing the ball so quickly, Coach Tierney believes committing the body first gives goalies their best chance.
Move along the line.
Instead of attacking shooters aggressively, stay balanced and move efficiently along the goal line.
Don't overthink scouting reports.
Elite shooters release the ball too quickly to consciously process every tendency. Preparation matters—but trust your instincts.
Advice for Goalie Parents
Coach Tierney believes goalie moms have one of the hardest jobs in sports.
Every goal feels personal—even when it wasn't the goalie's fault.
His advice:
- Accept that goals are part of the position.
- Avoid blaming your child after games.
- Remember that great goalies often blame themselves enough already.
- Support the person before analyzing the performance.
Recruiting Tips for Young Goalies
If you dream of playing Division I lacrosse:
- Be an outstanding student.
- Be known as a great teammate.
- Play multiple sports.
- Be coachable.
- Stay mentally tough.
- Show coaches how you respond after giving up goals—not just your highlight saves.
- Character matters as much as talent.
One of Coach Tierney's favorite jokes:
"I've never seen a goalie highlight film with a goal getting scored on. The first goalie who sends me one gets a full scholarship."
Favorite Quotes
"There's nothing worse than giving up a goal on the inside pipe."
"Make the shooter be a great shooter."
"The great goalies blame themselves."
"I care about high school coaches because they know what kind of person you are."
"A handshake is one of the most important things in life."
"Whether you're the first guy or the last guy on the team, I'm going to care about you."
"The first goalie who sends me film of himself getting scored on gets a full scholarship."
"Don't be a goalie."
Resources Mentioned
- College Goalie Training Packs
- Denver Elite Goalie Academy
- Trevor Tierney
- Jack Thompson
- Ryan LaPlante
- Jamie Faus
- Caleb Stroman
- Trevor Baptiste
Connect
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