Episode: Brendan Krebs – From Zero High School Starts to Division I Standout
In this episode of the LAX Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with Brendan Krebs, Manhattan College's starting goalie and former Chaminade standout whose path to Division I success was anything but traditional.
Despite never starting a varsity game in high school, Brendan stayed committed to improving his craft, earned a Division I opportunity at Manhattan, and developed into one of the top goalies in the MAAC with professional aspirations. He shares the lessons he learned about patience, confidence, preparation, and why being mentally present has been the biggest key to his success.
The conversation dives into goalie development, recruiting without varsity film, working with elite goalie coaches, training routines, the mental game, and building a championship culture.
In This Episode
Brendan shares how he unexpectedly became a goalie in seventh grade after his club team lost both of its goalies before a winter league game. What started as filling in for one game quickly turned into a passion for the position.
He explains how working with Tim O'Meara and Breakout Goaltending helped build his technical foundation and how a major growth spurt during high school changed the way he played the position.
Brendan reflects on attending Chaminade, one of the nation's top high school lacrosse programs, where he spent two seasons behind Division I goalies and never earned a varsity start. Instead of getting discouraged, he focused on improving every day and preparing for the next opportunity.
Coach Damon and Brendan discuss the recruiting process, attending prospect camps, reaching out to coaches, and eventually earning a scholarship opportunity at Manhattan despite limited varsity experience.
The conversation also explores Brendan's relationship with legendary goalie coach Jack Runkel, his current training routine, mental preparation before games, and how staying fully present has helped elevate his performance.
Key Takeaways
Your path doesn't have to look like everyone else's.
Brendan never started a varsity game in high school, yet still earned a Division I starting job through persistence and preparation.
Stay where your feet are.
Being mentally present during every drill, warmup, and practice repetition builds consistency when the games matter most.
Preparation beats superstition.
As Brendan matured, he shifted away from elaborate game-day rituals and focused instead on preparation and confidence built through training.
Small details make a big difference.
Footwork, hand-eye coordination, ladder drills, mobility, and technical fundamentals continue to be the foundation of his game.
Confidence comes from the work.
Recognition and accolades are rewarding, but true confidence comes from trusting the countless hours invested behind the scenes.
Topics Covered
- Discovering the goalie position
- Learning from Tim O'Meara and Breakout Goaltending
- Growing up on Long Island
- Playing at Chaminade
- Never starting a varsity game
- Recruiting without varsity film
- Prospect camps and coach communication
- Choosing Manhattan College
- Building a winning culture
- Lessons from goalie coach Jack Runkel
- Staying mentally present during practice
- Dealing with pressure and setbacks
- Training routines during the college season
- Mobility, footwork, and hand-eye coordination
- Stick setup and stringing his own goalie heads
- Low-shot technique
- Developing confidence
- PLL aspirations
Memorable Moments
Brendan tells the story of becoming a goalie almost by accident after both goalies on his club team were unavailable, leading him to discover the position he would eventually play in Division I.
He reflects on spending his entire high school career behind elite goalies at Chaminade and why continuing to improve despite never starting prepared him for future success.
Coach Damon and Brendan discuss one of the biggest mindset lessons of the episode: "Be where your feet are," emphasizing the importance of staying mentally engaged during every rep instead of simply going through the motions.
Brendan also explains why he abandoned many of his game-day superstitions, realizing that preparation—not rituals—is what ultimately creates confidence and consistency.
Guest
Brendan Krebs
Starting goalie at Manhattan College, former Chaminade goalie, MBA student, and professional lacrosse prospect.
Resources Mentioned
- Breakout Goaltending
- Tim O'Meara
- Jack Runkel
- Manhattan College Men's Lacrosse
- LAX Goalie Summit
- Red Beard Lacrosse
- Goalie hand-eye coordination drills
Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by the LAX Goalie Summit.
The Summit features presentations from many of the top goalie coaches in lacrosse covering communication, mental toughness, technique, footwork, low saves, leadership, and much more.
Learn more at goaliesummit.com.
Closing
Brendan's story is proof that success isn't determined by early playing time—it comes from preparation, resilience, and believing in your own development.
Whether you're a backup goalie waiting for your chance or already competing at a high level, Brendan's message is simple: stay present, trust your work, and never let someone else's timeline define your own.
