Lax Goalie Rat Podcast – Zach Blake (Cal Men's Lacrosse)
How a Connecticut Goalie Found Success at Cal, Built Mental Toughness, and Became a Team Captain
In this episode of the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon sits down with Zach Blake, senior goalie and team captain for the University of California, Berkeley men's lacrosse team.
Growing up in Connecticut, Zach dreamed of playing Division I lacrosse before an unexpected recruiting twist led him across the country to Cal's MCLA program. Looking back, it's a decision he says changed his life for the better.
Zach shares lessons from his journey about competing for playing time, handling adversity, developing confidence, and becoming the leader every defense needs.
Whether you're a young goalie fighting for a starting spot or a veteran looking to sharpen your mental game, this episode is packed with practical advice.
In This Episode
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How Zach accidentally became a lacrosse goalie after wanting to play hockey
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Why watching college goalies in person inspired him to take the position seriously
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The importance of competitive goalie training
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Lessons learned from longtime goalie coach Chris Madalon
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Why momentum matters more than save percentage
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Handling pressure as the last line of defense
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The recruiting process and why Cal became the perfect fit
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Transitioning from high school to college lacrosse
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Adjusting technique as a shorter goalie (5'9")
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Developing leadership skills from the crease
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How Cal goalie coach Casey Keenan builds confident goalies
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Creating a positive goalie unit instead of competition between teammates
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Staying mentally strong after giving up goals
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What backup goalies should focus on to continue improving
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How extra work builds confidence during slumps
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Dealing with trash talk from opposing fans
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Summer training routines for college goalies
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Advice Zach would give his younger self
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Why remembering lacrosse is "just a game" actually helps you play better
Key Takeaways
Stay Positive Under Pressure
Goalies face more pressure than anyone else on the field. Mistakes often end up in the back of the net, making mindset just as important as technique.
Win the Game—Not the Save Percentage Battle
Your job isn't to post a certain save percentage. Your job is to help your team win.
Compete Every Day
Adding competition to practice—whether against shooters or yourself—helps accelerate improvement and keeps training engaging.
Put in Extra Work
Seeing more shots outside of team practice not only improves your skills but builds confidence that carries into games.
Build Relationships with Your Defense
Great goalie play starts with trust. Strong communication and positive leadership create confidence throughout the defense.
Don't Let Lacrosse Define Your Worth
One bad game doesn't make you a bad goalie—or a bad person. Learning to separate your identity from your performance leads to healthier, more consistent play.
Favorite Quote
"Remember that it's a game."
Sometimes the simplest advice is the most important.
About Zach Blake
Zach Blake is a senior goalie and team captain for the University of California, Berkeley Men's Lacrosse program. Originally from New Haven, Connecticut, he developed his game through years of dedicated training before ultimately finding his home at Cal, where he earned All-Conference honors and became one of the team's leaders.
Resources Mentioned
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