LAX Goalie Rat Podcast: Coach Marty Ward on Leadership, Communication, and the Mindset of a Great Goalie

In this episode of the LAX Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with Coach Marty Ward, head coach of Florida Southern College Men's Lacrosse and one of the most respected voices in lacrosse goaltending.

Marty shares his incredible journey from a multi-sport athlete growing up near the Onondaga Nation to becoming an All-American goalie, an Iroquois National Team player, and a successful college head coach. Unlike many modern goalies who specialize early, Marty didn’t fully commit to the position until his freshman year of high school — proving that hard work, athleticism, and the right mindset can take a player to the highest levels.

Throughout the conversation, Marty discusses the lessons he learned from watching legendary goalies like Brian Dougherty and studying championship game footage, the importance of communication in the crease, and how a goalie’s presence can completely change a team.

The conversation also dives into Marty’s experiences representing the Iroquois Nationals, learning the history and traditions of the game, and how those lessons shaped the way he coaches today. He explains the importance of playing with a “good mind,” respecting opponents, and understanding that lacrosse is about more than just wins and losses.

Other topics include:

• Why communication is one of the biggest traits that separates great goalies

• How playing baseball, hockey, and other sports helped Marty become a better goalie

• The importance of being the best backup goalie you can be

• How goalies can build confidence after tough losses

• Developing the mental side of goaltending through focus and consistency

• Marty’s approach to goalie training at Florida Southern

• Why goalies need to be leaders both on and off the field

• The importance of putting in the work and never skipping steps

Marty also shares advice for young goalies chasing their dreams, emphasizing that greatness doesn’t happen overnight. Whether you are a beginner learning the position or an experienced goalie looking to reach the next level, this episode is packed with lessons on preparation, leadership, and becoming the type of goalie teammates trust.

Key Quote:
“A goalie that communicates the entire game turns people's heads and makes people say, ‘Oh, well, this guy’s got something.’”

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about what it takes to become not only a great lacrosse goalie, but a great teammate and leader.

Topics Covered:
00:00 Introduction
02:00 Marty Ward’s path to becoming a goalie
08:00 Learning from legendary goalies
14:00 The importance of communication and leadership
20:00 Growing up near Onondaga and the roots of lacrosse
30:00 Playing for the Iroquois National Team
42:00 Becoming a better goalie through competition
52:00 The mental game of goaltending
1:05:00 Coaching goalies at Florida Southern
1:15:00 Advice for young goalies

Learn more about the LAX Goalie Rat Academy:
https://laxgoalierat.com/goal