LAX Goalie Rat Podcast: Rachel Hall — The Mindset, Training, and Journey Behind a National Championship Goalie

In this episode of the LAX Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with Rachel Hall, the national champion goalie who helped lead the Boston College Eagles to their first-ever NCAA women’s lacrosse championship in 2021.

Rachel shares her incredible journey from picking up a goalie stick in her backyard with her brother in New York, to developing into one of the top goalies in the country. She talks about learning the position through endless reps, developing her hand speed, adapting her style of play, and the mindset that helped her compete at the highest level.

Rachel also opens up about her path through college lacrosse, including her time at the University of Oregon and her decision to transfer to Boston College. She explains what it was like joining a championship-caliber program as a transfer, building relationships with new teammates, and approaching the opportunity with a mindset of learning rather than trying to prove she already knew everything.

Coach Damon and Rachel break down film from the 2021 national championship game, discussing her approach to 8-meter shots, reading shooters, staying patient in one-on-one situations, clearing skills, and the importance of making the saves you’re supposed to make.

Throughout the conversation, Rachel shares valuable lessons on:

• Building confidence through repetition and seeing high-level shots

• Why goalies should embrace “Goalie Island” and use that time to improve their craft

• The importance of communication and relationships with defenders

• Developing strong stick skills as a goalie

• Learning from mistakes and resetting after giving up goals

• The mental toughness required to compete at the highest level

Rachel also discusses her training routine, including getting extra reps before practice, working with elite shooters, improving her clearing game, and maintaining focus through conditioning and mental preparation.

A national champion’s mindset, incredible goalie insight, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to reach the top of the game — this episode is a must-listen for lacrosse goalies, coaches, and anyone looking to improve their mental approach to competition.

Topics Covered:

• Rachel’s first experience playing goalie

• Learning the position from her brother

• Developing quick hands and reaction time

• Playing boys lacrosse and girls lacrosse

• Recruiting and transferring to Boston College

• Winning the 2021 NCAA National Championship

• Film breakdown from the championship game

• Goalie leadership and communication

• Training habits of elite goalies

• Mental toughness and next-shot mentality

Listen in as Coach Damon Wilson and Rachel Hall discuss what it takes to become a championship-level lacrosse goalie.