Episode Summary
In this episode of the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with JD Colarusso, former University at Albany standout goalie and first-round MLL Draft pick by the Dallas Rattlers.
JD discusses his journey from playing both attack and goalie as a kid to becoming one of the nation's top collegiate goalies. He shares how growing up with a goalie father shaped his development, what he learned from backing up Blaze Riorden, and how his work ethic helped him earn the starting role at Albany before leading the Great Danes to a Final Four appearance.
The conversation also dives into film study, strength training, communication, clearing, mental toughness, handling pressure, developing confidence, and the technical details that helped JD succeed despite being an undersized Division I goalie. This episode is packed with practical advice for youth, high school, and college goalies looking to take their game to the next level.
Topics Covered
- Growing up playing both attack and goalie
- Learning the position from his father
- Choosing goalie as his path to Division I lacrosse
- JD's recruiting journey to Albany
- Adjusting from high school to Division I competition
- Backing up Blaze Riorden and preparing for his opportunity
- Leading Albany after taking over as starting goalie
- Improving communication with the defense
- The importance of strength training and agility work
- Why film study became a major part of his preparation
- Scouting opposing shooters before games
- Reviewing personal game film for improvement
- Building confidence through preparation
- Improving outlet passes and clearing ability
- Favorite goalie drills for positioning and vision
- Using colored-ball drills to improve focus
- Offseason training routines and wall ball
- Handling slumps and maintaining a short memory
- Pregame routines and mental preparation
- Coaching young goalies and correcting common mistakes
- Current stick setup and equipment preferences
Key Takeaways
- Playing multiple positions early helps develop stick skills and lacrosse IQ.
- Consistent film study builds confidence and improves game preparation.
- Strength training allows goalies to become more explosive and take up more of the cage.
- Communication improves naturally as confidence and leadership grow.
- Great clearing ability can change games just as much as making saves.
- Every goalie will experience slumps—the key is maintaining a short memory.
- Extra work after practice often separates elite goalies from everyone else.
- Even the best goalies continue looking for ways to improve their game.
- Loving the position and committing to daily improvement are essential for long-term success.
Notable Quotes
"Work hard and love the position."
"The first save is always the most important."
"Next play."
"Watching film helped me feel prepared before every game."
"You can always get better, no matter what level you're playing."
Equipment Discussed
- STX Eclipse 2 goalie head
- 12D goalie mesh
- Traditional taped shaft setup for hand placement
- Tennis balls for offseason training
- Wall ball and outlet passing drills
Connect
Follow JD Colarusso on Instagram:
@jdcolarusso9
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.
