LGR 161: Navy Goalie Jo Torres on the Next Save Mentality
Episode Summary
How do elite goalies move on after giving up a goal—or even after having a bad game?
In Episode 161 of the LAX Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon Wilson welcomes Navy goalkeeper Jo Torres to discuss the mindset that has helped her succeed at one of the most demanding institutions in the country. A former Patriot League Rookie of the Week and Goalkeeper of the Week, Torres shares her journey from volunteering to play goalie in fourth grade to becoming Navy's starting goalkeeper.
The conversation dives into the importance of confidence, overcoming slumps, goalie development, mental toughness, and what she learned from legendary Navy goalie and coach Meg Taylor. Jo also offers a behind-the-scenes look at life at the U.S. Naval Academy and explains how the military's emphasis on teamwork has shaped her approach to both lacrosse and life.
Whether you're a young goalie, a parent, or a coach, this episode delivers valuable lessons on resilience, leadership, and embracing adversity.
In This Episode You'll Learn
- How Jo Torres became a goalie after volunteering during a youth game
- Why quick hands became her biggest strength in the cage
- The influence of legendary goalie Meg Taylor on her development
- The meaning behind the "Next Save Mentality"
- How to mentally recover after allowing goals
- Why confidence is one of a goalie's greatest assets
- How Jo worked through one of the toughest slumps of her career
- The role of sports psychology in building mental resilience
- What life is really like as a student-athlete at the U.S. Naval Academy
- Why teamwork extends far beyond the lacrosse field
Key Takeaways
🥍 The Next Save Is the Most Important Save
One goal should never define the rest of your game. Elite goalies acknowledge mistakes, reset mentally, and focus entirely on making the next save.
💪 Confidence Comes From Preparation
Jo explains that confidence isn't something you're born with—it's built through consistent reps, trusting your training, and remembering what has made you successful.
🧠 Go Back to the Fundamentals
When Jo experienced the biggest slump of her career, she stripped everything back to the basics, using tennis balls, simplifying practice, and focusing solely on tracking the ball.
🤝 Lean on Your Team
Whether it's fellow goalies, teammates, coaches, or sports psychologists, asking for help isn't weakness—it's part of becoming a better athlete.
🇺🇸 Team Above Self
Life at the Naval Academy reinforces that success comes from serving something bigger than yourself. That mindset carries directly into being a dependable teammate.
⏳ Tough Moments Don't Last Forever
One of Jo's biggest lessons from Navy training is remembering that difficult moments eventually pass. Whether it's a tough practice, a losing streak, or a goalie slump, persistence pays off.
Memorable Quotes
"The next save is the most important save."
"Your job isn't to save every shot. Your job is to put your team in a position to win."
"Be confident in your skills."
"This feeling isn't going to last forever."
About Today's Guest
Jo Torres is a goalkeeper for the United States Naval Academy Women's Lacrosse Team. Growing up in Maryland, she developed into one of the nation's top young goalies before committing to Navy. During her freshman season she earned multiple Patriot League honors while learning under former Navy All-American Meg Taylor. Jo is known for her quick hands, resilient mindset, and leadership on and off the field.
Topics Covered
- Becoming a lacrosse goalie
- Building stick skills
- Goalie hand speed drills
- Juggling for hand-eye coordination
- Mental toughness
- Overcoming performance slumps
- Sports psychology for athletes
- Goalie communication
- Navy lacrosse culture
- Leadership and confidence
- College recruiting
- Training with Meg Taylor
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