LGR 194 - Learning about JUCO Lacrosse with Cameron Cordova

In this episode, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with Cameron Cordova, the sophomore goalie for the Onondaga Community College Lasers. Originally from Meridian, Idaho, Cam outlines his path to upstate New York, his unique perspective on managing ADHD in the cage, and the exact steps he takes to maintain an energetic and communicative leadership style.

"When I stepped in goal, it felt like home. I felt like I could command the field and help contribute in a meaningful way." — Cameron Cordova

Key Highlights & Takeaways
An Accidental Beginning: Like many goalie origin stories, Cam's path began in the 4th grade being shot on by his older brothers in the backyard. When his youth coach actively hyped up the position to an otherwise reluctant team, Cam stood up to take the challenge and has been hooked ever since.

Positioning Tactics: Standing at 5'11", Cam uses a wide, athletic stance to maximize his speed and explosive cross-crease movements. He focuses heavily on dynamic body positioning over rigid structure to cover maximum ground.

The Magic of ADHD: Rather than letting it act as an in-game distraction, Cam views his ADHD as an intentional asset. Instead of hyper-focusing on a single spot, he scans the field to process plays quickly, anticipate off-ball cuts, and communicate slides.

The "Jimmys and Joes" Strategy: Reflecting on lessons from team culture, Cam emphasizes that standard Xs and Os matter less than mutual team trust, vocal leadership, and establishing a unified locker room community.

The Yes Drill: Taught by collegiate coach Ryan LaPlante, Cam utilizes the verbal cue "Yes!" as an explicit internal trigger to coordinate his hands, lead step, and body movement the exact millisecond a ball breaks an imaginary plane outside his stick.