Show Notes: Lax Goalie Rat Podcast – Mike Adler: D1 Goalie Mindset, Overcoming Challenges & Becoming a Leader

In this episode of the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with Saint Joseph’s University goalie Mike Adler, one of the top Division I lacrosse goalies in the country. Mike shares his journey from a youth goalie who was thrown into the cage because his team needed one, to becoming a high-level college athlete through hard work, resilience, and an unwavering belief in himself.

Mike discusses how his background as a baseball catcher helped him transition into lacrosse goalie, the importance of athleticism, and how developing strong fundamentals transformed his game once he reached the college level. He also shares one of the most incredible stories ever told on the podcast — surviving a serious shark attack as a teenager and how that experience shaped his mindset, appreciation for lacrosse, and ability to overcome adversity.

In this conversation, goalies will learn about:

• How Mike first became a goalie and why the position felt natural to him

• The similarities between baseball catching and lacrosse goaltending

• Developing an “athletic goalie” style and becoming the seventh defender

• The recruiting process and how to use rejection as motivation

• Overcoming major setbacks and returning stronger after injury

• Why fundamentals and positioning separate good goalies from great ones

• Learning from elite goalies like Jack Kelly

• Creating a training routine focused on explosiveness, flexibility, and staying fresh

• How surfing helped improve Mike’s balance, reaction time, and adaptability

• The importance of having fun and staying loose as a goalie

• How to handle being a backup goalie and still contribute to team success

• Becoming a leader both on and off the field

• Maintaining strong body language after giving up goals

• Developing the mental toughness needed to compete at the highest level

Key Takeaways:

• Bet on yourself: Mike’s recruiting journey proves that believing in your ability can open doors even when opportunities seem limited.

• Be more than a goalie: The best goalies impact the game by communicating, picking up ground balls, making clears, and leading their defense.

• Stay loose and have fun: Playing relaxed allows goalies to react better and enjoy the process.

• Control your response: You cannot always control what happens, but you can control your body language, effort, and mindset.

• Embrace every role: Whether you are a starter or backup, every practice and every rep is an opportunity to improve.

About Mike Adler:

Mike Adler is a Division I lacrosse goalie at Saint Joseph’s University. Known for his athleticism, competitiveness, and leadership, Mike has developed into one of the premier goalies in college lacrosse. His story of overcoming adversity, including a life-changing shark attack, showcases the resilience and mindset required to succeed at the highest level.

Listen in for an inspiring conversation filled with goalie techniques, mental strategies, leadership lessons, and motivation for goalies of all ages.