LAX Goalie Rat Podcast Episode 101: Warren Hill — Team Iroquois Goalie on Culture, Leadership, and the Mental Game

In Episode 101 of the LAX Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon sits down with elite lacrosse goalie Warren Hill, a professional goalie in both the field and box games, former Syracuse goalie, and member of the Mohawk Nation of the Iroquois Confederacy from Six Nations, Ontario.

Warren shares his incredible journey from first stepping into the cage at age seven to becoming one of the top goalies in the world. He talks about growing up playing box lacrosse, how that shaped his aggressive field goalie style, and how he learned the position through watching great goalies, studying the game, and putting in the work without having a dedicated goalie coach.

A major focus of this episode is Warren’s connection to the culture and history of lacrosse. He shares the Iroquois creation story of the game, including the story of the bat who found his role and helped the winged animals defeat the land animals — a powerful reminder that every player has a unique strength they bring to a team.

Warren also discusses:

• What it means to play lacrosse for the Iroquois Nationals and represent his people

• Why lacrosse is more than just a game

• His recruiting journey and lessons learned from the Hill Academy

• Choosing a college based on more than just lacrosse

• His transition to Syracuse and learning the importance of communication and leadership

• How goalies can become better leaders on and off the field

• Learning from legendary goalies like Marty Ward and Oren Lyons

• Developing a short memory after giving up goals

• Building confidence through body language and mental toughness

• Finding the balance between intensity and having fun playing the game

Warren shares valuable advice for young goalies, emphasizing that the most important thing is to enjoy the game, learn from every experience, and understand that being a great goalie is about much more than stopping shots.

A huge thank you to Warren Hill for sharing his stories, knowledge, and perspective on the position. This episode is a must-listen for goalies who want to improve their skills, mindset, and understanding of the game.

Topics Covered:

• Box lacrosse influence on field goalies

• Iroquois lacrosse traditions and culture

• The mental side of goaltending

• Leadership and communication

• College recruiting advice

• Syracuse lacrosse

• Handling adversity and goals against

• Learning from the best goalies in the game

Guest: Warren Hill
Episode: 101
Host: Coach Damon Wilson

Listen in as Coach Damon and Warren Hill discuss what makes lacrosse such a special game — and why the goalie position is about so much more than making saves.