Lax Goalie Rat Podcast – Jack Concannon (Hofstra & PLL)

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with Jack Concannon, former Hofstrastandout goalie, MLL veteran, and one of the inaugural goalies in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL).

Jack shares his journey from picking up a goalie stick in first grade to competing at the highest levels of professional lacrosse. Along the way, he discusses the influence of the Navy goalie style, how his game evolved in college, the importance of strength training and footwork, and the mindset required to thrive at the goalie position.

The conversation also covers recruiting, handling competition for playing time, overcoming slumps, leading a defense, building confidence, and the daily habits that helped Jack reach the professional level. Whether you're a youth goalie, high school player, or aspiring college recruit, this episode is packed with practical advice to elevate your game.

Topics Covered

• How Jack became a lacrosse goalie at a young age

• Learning the Navy style of goalie play

• The benefits of a wider goalie stance

• Jack's recruiting journey to Hofstra

• How his game changed at the college level

• Learning to stay patient and react instead of guessing

• Why strength training and conditioning matter for goalies

• Building foot speed and agility

• Jack's current offseason training routine

• Hand-eye coordination drills and juggling exercises

• Goalie influences, including Drew Adams

• Handling shared playing time and staying mentally prepared

• Overcoming slumps and rebuilding confidence

• Pregame routines and mental preparation

• Leadership and communication from the crease

• Working effectively with your defense

• Common mistakes youth goalie coaches make

• The importance of working with a dedicated goalie coach

• Jack's current stick setup and equipment preferences

• Preparing for the transition to professional lacrosse in the PLL

Key Takeaways

• Patience is one of the biggest adjustments goalies must make as competition improves.

• Reacting to the ball is more effective than guessing where the shot will go.

• Strength, conditioning, and footwork can dramatically improve goalie performance.

• Confidence comes from consistent preparation and daily work.

• Stay mentally engaged and physically loose even if you're not starting the game.

• One save can completely change the momentum of a game.

• Goalies are natural leaders and should communicate clearly with their defense.

• A positive coaching environment helps goalies develop confidence and consistency.

• Working with a goalie-specific coach can eliminate bad habits before they become permanent.

Notable Quotes

"Sit, wait, and react."

"Make the next save."

"Preparation builds confidence."

"The mental side of the position has to improve just as much as your physical skills."

"As a goalie, you have the power to completely change the momentum of a game."

Equipment Discussed

• Warrior Burn Pro goalie head

• STX Eclipse goalie head

• StringKing mesh

• Attack-length shaft

• Traditional wide goalie stance inspired by the Navy goalie system

Connect

Follow Jack Concannon on Instagram:

@jackconcannon

For more goalie coaching, drills, and training resources, visit Lax Goalie Rat and follow Coach Damon Wilson for weekly podcast episodes featuring the top goalies and goalie coaches in lacrosse.