LGR 158: Syracuse Goalie Kimber Hower on Having an Unshakeable Mindset in the Cage

Episode Summary

What separates great goalies isn't just technique—it's mindset.

In this episode of the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with Syracuse standout Kimber Hower for one of the most honest conversations we've ever had about the mental side of playing goalie. Kimber shares her incredible journey from growing up in Utah—a non-traditional lacrosse hotbed—to committing to North Carolina as a freshman, transferring to Syracuse, and ultimately rediscovering her love for the game.

Beyond the saves and recruiting stories, Kimber opens up about perfectionism, anxiety, mental health struggles, and the lessons she learned working with a sports psychologist. She explains the routines, affirmations, and mindset shifts that helped her become a more confident, resilient goalie while finding joy in the position again.

Whether you're a youth goalie chasing your first varsity start or a college athlete battling confidence, this episode is packed with practical advice for building a stronger mental game.

In This Episode You'll Learn

• How Kimber developed into an elite goalie despite growing up in Utah
• Why playing boys' lacrosse helped shape her unique playing style
• The recruiting process that led her to North Carolina as a freshman
• What it's really like graduating high school early to play Division I lacrosse
• How she handled transferring from UNC to Syracuse
• Why perfectionism can hurt goalies more than help them
• Mental strategies for bouncing back after giving up goals
• Kimber's pregame affirmation routine and confidence-building habits
• The importance of sports psychology and controlling the controllables
• How to stay mentally prepared when splitting time with another goalie
• Why "playing with joy" transformed her career

Key Takeaways

One of Kimber's biggest breakthroughs came from learning that you can't control the outcome—you can only control your response.

Instead of dwelling on goals allowed, she focuses on:

• Instant Positive Reactions (IPR)
• Deep breathing after every goal
• Grounding techniques to reset mentally
• Positive affirmations before every game
• Staying present one save at a time

She also shares one of the most impactful pieces of advice she received from Syracuse coach Kayla Treanor:

"Play with joy in your heart."

That simple phrase helped Kimber reconnect with why she started playing lacrosse in the first place.

Favorite Quote

"Play with joy in your heart and always remember why you picked up the stick in the first place." – Kimber Hower

Resources Mentioned

• Lacrosse Goalie Summit
• Sports psychology and mental performance coaching
• Goalie mindset training
• Positive affirmations and visualization
• Instant Positive Reaction (IPR)

Connect with Lax Goalie Rat

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast for weekly conversations with the best lacrosse goalies, coaches, and goalie experts in the game.

🎧 New episodes every week featuring elite goalies sharing their techniques, training habits, recruiting advice, and mental performance strategies.

Listen If You Want To Learn About:

• Lacrosse goalie mindset
• Mental toughness for goalies
• Sports psychology for athletes
• Women's college lacrosse
• Syracuse women's lacrosse
• Goalie recruiting advice
• Building confidence in the cage
• Overcoming adversity in sports