Will Vitton on Building a Unique Goalie Style, Mental Toughness & Becoming Villanova's Winningest Goalie
Villanova graduate goalie Will Vitton joins the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast to discuss his journey from accidentally becoming a goalie in elementary school to finishing his career as the winningest goalie in Villanova history.
In this episode, Will breaks down his unique goalie stance, explains why he believes there is no "perfect" way to play the position, and shares the lessons that helped him succeed over five collegiate seasons.
Whether you're a youth goalie, high school recruit, or college player looking to elevate your game, this conversation is packed with practical advice on technique, recruiting, film study, and the mental side of goaltending.
In This Episode
- How Will accidentally became a goalie in fifth grade
- Why playing hockey made him a better lacrosse goalie
- Learning from multiple goalie coaches without copying any one style
- Why every goalie should develop a style that fits their athletic strengths
- Breaking down his signature wide-stance setup
- The advantages (and misconceptions) of playing with a wide base
- How he uses "Big Eyes" vision training to track the ball
- Why comfort and confidence matter more than textbook technique
- Recruiting lessons from navigating the club lacrosse circuit
- How many tournaments young players actually need
- Why Villanova was the right fit academically, athletically, and personally
- Weekly film study and game preparation at the Division I level
- Mental routines that help him stay locked in throughout a game
- Equipment setup, stick preferences, and finding the perfect pocket
- Advice for young goalies trying to reach the next level
Key Takeaways
There Is No One Correct Way to Play Goalie
Will believes every goalie should master the fundamentals before developing a style that matches their own body type, athleticism, and instincts.
Play Multiple Sports
Growing up as a hockey player improved Will's hand speed, footwork, decision-making, and competitiveness while helping him avoid burnout.
Reps Matter More Than Perfect Coaching
Every goalie coach offered something valuable, but the biggest improvements came from simply seeing more shots and getting game experience.
Film Is About Patterns, Not Guessing
Will studies offensive tendencies and personnel to help communicate with his defense—not to predict where every shot will go.
Develop a Strong Mental Routine
From pregame hand-eye drills to post-goal reset techniques, Will emphasizes finding routines that keep you confident and focused.
Favorite Quotes
"If it's working for you, then I think you should stick with it."
"Master the fundamentals first, then make the position your own."
"You're going to get scored on. That's the nature of being a goalie."
"Don't worry about the things you can't control."
"Have fun. If you stop enjoying the position, you're missing the point."
Resources Mentioned
- Lax Goalie Rat Academy
- Four-Week Hip Training Program
- STX Eclipse II goalie head
- Wall ball hand-eye drills
- Slide board training for goalie footwork
- Braden Holtby's mental reset routine
Connect with Lax Goalie Rat
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast for weekly conversations with the best goalies, coaches, and goalie minds in the sport. New episodes are released every week featuring insights to help goalies at every level improve their game.
Episode Highlights:
- Why Will's unconventional stance works
- How hockey shaped his athletic development
- The recruiting advice every young goalie should hear
- Mental game strategies for bouncing back after goals
- Practical drills you can start using immediately
