LGR: Boston University Goalie Matt Garber on Finding Success as a Big Goalie
Episode Summary
Can bigger goalies thrive at the highest levels of lacrosse? Boston University starting goalie Matt Garber proves the answer is a resounding yes.
In this episode of the LAX Goalie Rat Podcast, Matt shares his unique journey from being the "big kid" who was thrown into goal in fourth grade to becoming a standout Division I goalkeeper at Boston University. Along the way, he discusses how transforming his body, refining his positioning, and embracing consistent training helped him reach the collegiate level.
Matt also opens up about overcoming recruiting challenges, learning from renowned goalie coach Jack Runkle, developing explosiveness, handling pressure, and why self-awareness is the key to long-term improvement.
Whether you're an undersized goalie, an oversized goalie, or somewhere in between, this episode is packed with lessons on confidence, consistency, and maximizing your strengths.
In This Episode You'll Learn
- How Matt accidentally became a lacrosse goalie
- Why every body type can succeed in goal
- The impact of goalie coach Jack Runkle on his development
- How improving positioning elevated his game
- Why explosiveness matters more than simply being big
- How he transformed his body during high school recruiting
- What Division I coaches look for during recruiting
- The benefits of tennis ball training
- How film study helps identify weaknesses
- The routines that keep him mentally sharp before every game
- Leadership lessons from playing goalie at Boston University
- How to bounce back from slumps and stay confident
Key Takeaways
🥍 Every Goalie Can Be Successful
Matt believes there's no single "ideal" goalie body type. Whether you're tall, short, heavy, or lean, success comes from learning how to maximize your strengths through positioning, athleticism, and technique.
💪 Build Explosiveness, Not Just Size
Being a bigger goalie doesn't mean sacrificing quickness. Matt credits weight training, explosive movement drills, and thousands of repetitions for helping him become faster while maintaining his size.
🎯 Positioning Wins Games
One of the biggest adjustments Matt made when transitioning from high school to Division I lacrosse was improving his positioning. College shooters punish poor angles, making efficient movement and proper arc play essential.
🎥 Film Never Lies
Watching game film allows Matt to identify recurring mistakes and build focused practice sessions around correcting them instead of guessing what needs improvement.
🧠 Consistency Creates Confidence
From eating the same pregame meal to following the same warm-up routine, Matt believes consistency removes distractions and allows him to focus entirely on making saves.
🚀 Growth Comes From Honest Self-Evaluation
Matt encourages young goalies to be critical of their own game—not to tear themselves down, but to identify weaknesses and intentionally work on them every day.
Memorable Quotes
"All shapes and sizes of goalie can be successful."
"We're chasing saves, not perfection."
"Be critical of yourself, know what you need to work on, and then go do it."
"Confidence comes from putting in the work."
About Today's Guest
Matt Garber is the starting goalkeeper for Boston University Men's Lacrosse. After beginning his career as an unlikely youth goalie, Matt developed into one of the top goalies in the Patriot League through disciplined training, body transformation, and a relentless commitment to improving every aspect of his game. He trained under renowned goalie coach Jack Runkle and has become known for his size, explosive hands, and calm leadership between the pipes.
Topics Covered
- Becoming a lacrosse goalie
- Playing goalie as a bigger athlete
- Division I recruiting
- Goalie positioning
- Explosive movement training
- Weight room performance
- Tennis ball goalie drills
- Film study
- Mental toughness
- Pregame routines
- Leadership
- Boston University lacrosse
- Patriot League competition
Who Should Listen?
This episode is perfect for:
- Youth and high school lacrosse goalies
- Goalies hoping to play college lacrosse
- Coaches working with developing goalkeepers
- Parents navigating the recruiting process
- Athletes looking to build confidence and consistency
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