LGR 043: Kyle Bernlohr - PLL Whipsnake, Maryland Alum, STX athlete

In this episode of the LAX Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with one of the best goalies in the game, Kyle Bernlohr. The former Maryland national championship goalie and professional standout shares the lessons that shaped his career—from getting thrown into the crease by his older brother to becoming one of the most respected goalies in lacrosse.

Kyle breaks down his unique goalie style, favorite training drills, mental approach, film study habits, leadership philosophy, and the small details that separate good goalies from elite ones.

Whether you're a youth goalie, high school player, coach, or simply a fan of the position, this episode is packed with practical advice you can immediately apply.

In This Episode

• How Kyle accidentally became a goalie in third grade
• Why being a goalie is unlike any other position in lacrosse
• Developing a natural, reaction-based goalie style
• What he learned from Maryland goalie coach Brian Phipps
• The importance of seeing thousands of shots
• Why every goalie develops differently
• Kyle's favorite goalie training drills
• Using ankle bands to improve footwork
• Tennis ball rapid-fire drills for reaction speed
• The "Doc Drill" and wall progression training
• Balance exercises using a BOSU ball
• How yoga improves goalie performance
• Reading shooters through film study
• Tracking opponents' shooting tendencies
• Preparing mentally before big games
• Handling slumps and rebuilding confidence
• Becoming a leader as a goalie
• Building trust with your defense
• Equipment setup and stick preferences
• Advice for young goalies who want to play at the highest level

Key Takeaways

• Great goalies develop their own style rather than copying everyone else.
• Repetition and seeing live shots remain the best teacher.
• Film study can give goalies a major competitive advantage.
• Leadership starts with consistency and earning your teammates' trust.
• Athletic training, balance, flexibility, and explosive movement are just as important as stick skills.
• Goalies should practice with a short stick to improve hand speed and overall stick skills.
• The players who truly love the position are the ones most likely to reach elite levels.