LGR 137: Johns Hopkins Goalie Josh Kirson

⭐ Episode Overview

Coach Damon continues Johns Hopkins Week with an in‑depth conversation featuring Josh Kirson, current starting goalie for the Blue Jays. Josh shares his journey from youth lacrosse in Boston, to the Hill Academy, to Ohio State, and finally to Hopkins—plus the bruising Paul Rabil story that made him quit goalie for a year.

This episode is packed with technical breakdowns, mindset insights, training habits, and the evolution of Josh’s stance and style.

“I got Paul Rabil warming me up… he hit me under the armpit. Worst bruise of my life. Made me quit goalie for a year.” “The buck stops with you. I like being in that seat.”

🧠 Key Topics & Takeaways

Josh’s Origin Story

• Started as an unathletic defenseman in 4th grade.

• Became goalie because the team had no goalie and he was the biggest kid.

• Loved it—until a Paul Rabil warm‑up shot nearly ended his goalie career.

• Quit for a year, returned in 7th/8th grade when the team needed him again.

“My mom didn’t want me to play goalie… but the team needed me.”

Early Development & Coaching

• Trained at Rivers School and with the Top Gun Fighting Clams.

• Coaches Troy Peters and Ronnie Westgate were foundational in his development.

• Took 3–4 private goalie sessions per week.

• Learned alongside elite peers like Connor Darcy.

Favorite Part of Being a Goalie

• Loves being the “quarterback” of the defense.

• Thrives under pressure and responsibility.

• Values earning trust from teammates.

“The best goalies are really good teammates.”

Goalie Room Culture

• Believes competition within the goalie room elevates performance.

• Best seasons came when he was pushed by other goalies.

• Worst season came when he lacked competition.

Playing Style

• Bigger goalie → plays a flatter arc.

• Historically used a wide base, inspired by John Kemp and Jack Kelly.

• Recently narrowed stance after studying Blaze Riorden’s comfort and fluidity.

• Strong clearing ability and solid communication.

Making Technical Changes

• Changes stance only during extra reps or controlled goalie sessions.

• Films adjustments, reviews, tweaks, and tests again the next day.

• Emphasizes picking the right moments—never before big games.

• Youth goalies should prioritize consistency first, then experiment.

Training Habits & Yoga

• As a 6th‑year goalie, recovery is crucial.

• Yoga 3–4 times per week in offseason:

  • Improves flexibility

  • Strengthens hips

  • Prevents injuries

  • Clears the mind

• Believes hip strength + explosion = modern goalie success.

High School & Recruiting Journey

• Four‑year starter at Rivers School.

• Originally a 2015 recruit—broke both thumbs, reclassed to 2016.

• Committed to Ohio State after visiting campus during a football game.

• Completed a postgraduate year at The Hill Academy under Brody Merrill.

• Credits Hill for preparing him for college lacrosse physically and mentally.

🎧 Sponsor Mention

Lacrosse Goalie Summit 6 — March 28–April 1 Free coaching sessions from 12 elite goalie coaches. Tickets at GoalieSummit.com.

🔚 Episode Closing

Josh’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, adaptation, and technical evolution. From quitting goalie after a brutal bruise to becoming Hopkins’ starter, his story is packed with lessons for goalies at every level.