LGR 033: Drew Adams on his keys to goalie success

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with Drew Adams, one of the most accomplished goalies in professional lacrosse. A Penn State standout, three-time MLL Goalie of the Year, Team USA silver medalist, and Premier Lacrosse League veteran, Drew shares the lessons that have shaped his career from middle school to the professional level.

Drew discusses how his background as a hockey goalie helped him transition into lacrosse, the importance of developing a playing style that matches your strengths, and why the best goalies are constantly evolving. The conversation also dives deep into the mental side of the position, leadership, training methods, overcoming slumps, and the habits that have allowed Drew to remain one of the game's elite netminders.

Whether you're a youth goalie, high school player, coach, or parent, this episode is packed with valuable advice that can help improve every aspect of your game.

Topics Covered

• How Drew transitioned from hockey goalie to lacrosse goalie
• Learning the fundamentals from experienced goalie coaches
• Developing a goalie style based on your natural strengths
• The influence of Brian Docherty, Kevin Keenan, Guy Van Arsdale, and other mentors
• Studying professional goalies to improve your own game
• How Drew's style evolved from high school to college and the pros
• Adjusting your play based on confidence and game situations
• Handling bad games and overcoming slumps
• Why making the first save is often the hardest
• Drew's favorite drills for hand-eye coordination, footwork, and reaction time
• Breaking goalie training into eyes, hands, and feet
• Why tennis, squash, yoga, and other sports improve goalie performance
• Leadership and communication from the crease
• Setting standards and holding teammates accountable
• Common mistakes youth goalie coaches make
• Helping young goalies overcome the fear of getting hit
• Goalie stick setup, pocket preferences, and equipment advice
• Developing the mental toughness needed to succeed at every level

Key Takeaways

• Every goalie should develop a style that complements their own strengths.
• Watching great goalies is one of the fastest ways to improve your game.
• Consistency comes from adapting your game—not playing the same way every day.
• Leadership is just as important as making saves.
• Breaking training into individual skills leads to greater long-term improvement.
• Slumps happen to every goalie—even professionals—and perspective is key to overcoming them.
• Training outside of lacrosse can improve athleticism, balance, and reaction time.
• The best goalies focus on the process, trust their preparation, and enjoy competing.

Notable Quotes

"There's not a right or wrong way to play goalie."

"Figure out what your strengths are and build your game around them."

"The first save is always the hardest."

"You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable."

"Focus on making the next save."

Equipment Discussed

• Maverik A1 goalie shaft
• Brine Eraser goalie head
• Warrior Nemesis goalie head
• STX Eclipse goalie head
• Throne String and East Coast Dyes mesh
• Shortened goalie shaft customized to player height

Connect

Follow Drew Adams on Instagram:

@drewadams14

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.