LGR 155: Former Navy Goalie John Connors on Leadership, Confidence & Competing at the Highest Level

What does it take to become one of the best goalies in Division I lacrosse?

This week on the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with former Navy standout John Connors to discuss his journey from a backyard in Long Island to anchoring one of the nation's top defenses at the U.S. Naval Academy.

John shares how growing up with four older brothers helped shape his toughness, what it was like playing for powerhouse Chaminade High School, and the lessons he learned from elite goalie coaches like Mickey Jarboe. He also dives deep into the mental side of the position—handling pressure, overcoming slumps, building confidence, and becoming the leader your defense needs.

The conversation also revisits Navy's unforgettable 2016 NCAA Tournament run, including John's legendary 21-save performance against Brown, with behind-the-scenes insight into one of the greatest goalie duels in recent NCAA history.

Whether you're a youth goalie learning the position or an experienced netminder looking to sharpen your mindset, this episode is packed with practical advice and timeless lessons.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• How John accidentally became a goalie after his brother found a goalie stick in a dumpster
• Why growing up on Long Island accelerated his development
• The value of competing with another talented goalie every day
• What made Chaminade's lacrosse culture so successful
• How John earned his way to Navy and handled the recruiting process
• The biggest adjustment from high school to Division I lacrosse
• Goalie positioning concepts that changed his game
• How to recover from slumps and regain confidence
• The importance of communication and leadership from the crease
• Why "you save 100% of the shots you don't see"
• Stories from Navy's memorable NCAA Tournament run
• A breakdown of his incredible 21-save performance against Brown

Key Takeaways

John emphasizes that confidence is built through preparation. Every practice, every rep, and every difficult moment prepares you for the biggest games of your career. He also explains why great goalies never stop learning, constantly studying new techniques while developing a style that fits their own strengths.

Perhaps the biggest lesson is that success starts with mastering the fundamentals—and trusting your training when the pressure is highest.

If you're looking to improve your mindset, positioning, communication, and leadership in the cage, this episode is full of valuable insights from one of Navy's finest goalies.

🎧 Listen now and discover what it takes to lead a championship-caliber defense from the crease.