In this episode of the LAX Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with Liam Entenmann, Notre Dame's All-American goalie and Team USA standout, to discuss the mindset, training habits, and perseverance that helped him become one of the top goalies in college lacrosse.
Despite being overlooked early in his career, getting cut from club teams, and never being considered a top recruit, Liam stayed committed to his development. Through relentless training, elite coaching, and a resilient mindset, he earned the starting job at Notre Dame as a freshman and developed into one of the nation's premier goalies.
The conversation explores goalie technique, mental toughness, recruiting, offseason training, game preparation, leadership, and the habits that separate elite goalies from everyone else.
In This Episode
Liam shares how he first became a goalie after no one else wanted to step into the crease. Although his first experience ended with him crying after getting hit by a shot, he quickly fell in love with the position and never looked back.
He discusses the influence of goalie coaches Chris Silva and Zach Olivieri, explaining how they helped shape both his technical foundation and mental approach to the position.
Liam explains his unique wide-base stance, why it fits his body type, and how he uses quick hands and explosive movement instead of relying on large recovery steps.
Coach Damon and Liam dive into his offseason training routine, including seeing nearly 2,000 live shots over winter break, footwork drills, ladder work, reaction ball training, wall ball, and hand-eye coordination exercises.
The conversation also covers Liam's unconventional recruiting journey, earning a scholarship to Notre Dame despite not being highly ranked, developing into the team's starting goalie as a freshman, and learning how to lead one of the country's top defenses.
Key Takeaways
Trust the process.
Liam's recruiting journey wasn't easy, but every setback ultimately prepared him for the opportunity that changed his career.
The best way to become a better goalie is to make saves.
Nothing replaces seeing quality live shots and developing comfort against elite shooters.
Confidence comes from preparation.
Whether it's thousands of offseason reps or consistent daily habits, preparation builds confidence when game day arrives.
Body language matters.
Goalies set the emotional tone for the defense. Positive communication and confident body language help teammates stay locked in after goals.
Develop your own style.
Study elite goalies, borrow what works, but build a style that fits your own athleticism and strengths.
Topics Covered
- Discovering the goalie position
- Learning from Chris Silva and Zach Olivieri
- Developing a wide-base stance
- Quick hands and reaction training
- Seeing 2,000 shots during winter break
- Offseason goalie workouts
- Mental toughness and the next-shot mentality
- Positive body language
- Playing at Chaminade
- Recruiting after being overlooked
- Earning the starting job at Notre Dame
- College practice routines
- Leadership from the crease
- Game-day routines and superstitions
- Trusting the recruiting process
- Training with Team USA
Memorable Moments
Liam shares the story of his very first experience playing goalie, getting hit by the opening shot, crying, and somehow deciding to keep playing the position anyway.
He explains how getting cut from club teams and being overlooked during recruiting became the motivation that fueled his development into an All-American.
Coach Damon and Liam discuss one of the biggest lessons from the episode: every save, every goal allowed, and every setback plays a role in shaping the goalie you eventually become.
Liam also walks through his complete offseason training routine, revealing how seeing thousands of live shots helped prepare him for one of the nation's best statistical seasons.
Guest
Liam Entenmann
Starting goalie at the University of Notre Dame, Team USA goalie, Second Team All-American, and one of the nation's top collegiate goalies.
Resources Mentioned
- Zach Olivieri
- Chris Silva
- Hofstra Goalie Training
- Team USA Lacrosse
- Goalie Summit
- LAX Goalie Summit
- Reaction ball training
- Ladder footwork 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, leadership, nutrition, and much more.
Learn more at goaliesummit.com.
Closing
Liam's story proves that rankings, recruiting attention, and early success don't determine your future. Persistence, preparation, and a relentless commitment to improvement are what separate elite goalies from everyone else.
Whether you're competing for a starting job, working through setbacks, or simply looking to elevate your game, Liam's advice is clear: trust the process, put in the work, and never stop developing your craft.
