Max Christides on Competing for the Starting Job, Mental Toughness & Leading from the Bench
Marquette goalie Max Christides joins the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast to share a perspective that every goalie can learn from—even if they're not the starter.
After transferring from UMass Lowell to Marquette, Max found himself battling for the starting position during his senior season. In this conversation, he opens up about navigating competition, staying mentally strong through slumps, becoming a leader without being on the field, and why supporting your teammates ultimately makes you a better goalie.
Max also discusses his recruiting journey from Michigan, transferring schools, playing for Team Greece, and the mindset that's helped him continue improving throughout his college career.
In This Episode
- How Max accidentally became a goalie in sixth grade
- Why soccer and football helped shape his game
- Learning the position with limited goalie resources in Michigan
- Finding local mentors when elite camps aren't nearby
- Developing a wide goalie stance as he grew taller
- How his recruiting process led him to UMass Lowell
- The benefits of playing on a top club team during recruiting
- Transferring to Marquette and finding the right academic and athletic fit
- What it's like competing for a Division I starting goalie position
- How to stay ready when you're not the starter
- Becoming a leader from the backup role
- Working through confidence slumps during the season
- Building mental toughness through positivity and gratitude
- Max's pre-practice mental mantra
- Improving clearing and decision-making
- Playing internationally with Team Greece
Key Takeaways
Leadership Isn't Limited to the Starter
One of Max's biggest lessons came while serving as Marquette's backup goalie. Instead of focusing on himself, he committed to supporting his teammates, bringing energy every day, and becoming a vocal leader.
His advice:
"Be supportive to the guy who's playing and forget about yourself."
Confidence Comes from Preparation
Max believes confidence isn't something you magically find—it's built through repetitions, preparation, and reminding yourself why you've earned your opportunity.
His daily mantra:
- Positive
- Confident
- Grateful
Every Goalie Will Go Through Slumps
Even Division I goalies struggle.
Max shares how conversations with his coaches helped him regain confidence and reminds young goalies that difficult stretches don't define them.
Find Coaching Wherever You Live
Growing up in Michigan, elite goalie instruction wasn't always easy to find. Max encourages young goalies to seek out local college goalies, former players, or experienced coaches who can provide mentorship and quality reps.
Keep Improving Every Part of Your Game
Even after years of college experience, Max continues working on his clearing, passing accuracy, and overall stick skills.
Favorite Quotes
"Not every guy is going to start all the time."
"Forget about yourself and support the guy who's playing."
"Fake it until you make it."
"Positive. Confident. Grateful."
"Be loud with your voice, your energy, and your play."
Resources Mentioned
- Lax Goalie Rat College Goalie Training Packs
- Goalie Smith Camps
- Bill Pilat Goalie Camp
- STX Eclipse II Goalie Head
- ECD Impact Goalie Head
- Team Greece Lacrosse
Who Should Listen?
This episode is especially valuable for:
- Goalies competing for playing time
- Backup goalies looking to stay motivated
- High school goalies navigating the recruiting process
- Players considering the transfer portal
- Coaches building strong goalie rooms
- Parents supporting goalies through adversity
Episode Highlights
- Battling for a starting Division I goalie job
- Turning setbacks into growth opportunities
- Building confidence through preparation
- The power of positive leadership
- Mental strategies every goalie can use
- Why supporting teammates makes you a better player
