LGR 086: Casey Keenan, Cal Men's Assistant Coach and MCLA All-American Goalie

Episode Summary

In this episode of the LAX Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with Casey Keenan, former Cal Bears goalie, MCLA All-American, and current assistant coach at Cal. Growing up in the Bay Area during the early days of Northern California lacrosse, Casey shares how he accidentally became a goalie, developed into one of the top netminders in the MCLA, and eventually returned to Berkeley to help coach the next generation of Cal Bears.

The conversation covers goalie development, film study, recruiting, training drills, leadership, and the unique challenges and rewards of coaching. Whether you're a goalie looking to elevate your game or a player interested in competing at Cal, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Topics Covered

• How Casey became a goalie by necessity in the early Bay Area lacrosse scene
• Growing up and playing for De La Salle High School
• Winning De La Salle's first North Coast Section (NCS) Championship
• The evolution of lacrosse and goalie coaching resources
• Casey's recruiting journey and decision to attend Cal
• Competing for the starting goalie position at Cal
• Adjusting from high school to college-level shooting and offenses
• The importance of film study in modern goalie development
• Casey's favorite goalie drills and training methods
• Building leadership skills through the goalie position
• Coaching philosophies and developing players beyond lacrosse
• Managing competition among multiple talented goalies
• What Cal looks for in prospective student-athletes
• Advice for goalies interested in playing at the collegiate level

Key Takeaways

"Goalies Are Different"

Casey discusses the unique mindset required to willingly stand in front of high-velocity shots and explains how that shared mentality creates a special bond among goalies.

Film Doesn't Lie

One of the biggest advancements in goalie development is access to film. Casey emphasizes how video analysis can quickly identify mechanical flaws, tendencies, and opportunities for improvement.

Develop the Person, Not Just the Goalie

For Casey, the most rewarding aspect of coaching isn't just building better goalies—it's helping young athletes become leaders, teammates, and better people.

Competition Makes Everyone Better

At Cal, multiple goalies compete for playing time every day. Rather than creating division, Casey focuses on building a culture where goalies push each other to improve and elevate the entire team.

Wall Ball Still Matters

Despite all the modern training tools available, Casey believes one of the most important habits for any goalie remains simple: daily wall ball.