Episode 303: Grayson Manning on Box Lacrosse Goalie Skills, Mental Toughness, and Winning Gold for Team Canada

Episode Summary

In Episode 303 of the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with Grayson Manning, starting goalie for the University of Denver and Team Canada’s U20 team, to discuss his journey from box lacrosse in Canada to becoming one of the top goalies in college lacrosse.

Grayson shares how his background in box lacrosse shaped his field goalie style, teaching him to stay patient on close-range shots, read shooters, and use his body confidently. He also breaks down the technical adjustments that helped elevate his game at Denver, including staying balanced, improving hand positioning, and analysing goals against to identify areas for improvement.

The conversation also covers his experience winning a gold medal with Team Canada at the U20 World Championships in South Korea, including the unforgettable walk-off save that sealed the championship. Whether you're a youth goalie, a parent, or a coach, this episode offers practical lessons on technique, mindset, leadership, and enjoying the game.

In This Episode, You'll Learn

• How playing box lacrosse from a young age helped Grayson develop his field goalie skills.

• Why patience and reading the shooter are essential when facing fakes and close-range shots.

• How to stay balanced and set when defending shots on the run and sweeps.

• Why keeping your hands on the same plane helps maintain control and stay square to the shooter.

• How reviewing every goal against can reveal technical weaknesses and areas for improvement.

• How Grayson adjusted his stance and movement after arriving at the University of Denver.

• What it takes to reset mentally after conceding a goal and lead your defence.

• How Grayson prepared for his first college start in a snowy game.

• What he learned from representing Team Canada at the U20 World Championships.

• Why goalies should embrace imperfection and remember to have fun.

Key Takeaways for Lacrosse Goalies

1. Your background can become your advantage.
Grayson's years playing box lacrosse helped him develop physical confidence, patience, and the ability to read shooters in tight spaces. Skills from one version of the game can translate into another.

2. Being set matters more than finding the perfect position.
When defending shots on the run, Grayson focuses on getting his body balanced and ready to react rather than chasing the shooter and ending up off balance.

3. Review your goals against.
Grayson and his coach clipped and reviewed every goal he conceded to identify patterns. This helped him recognise issues with his low saves, stance, and positioning.

4. Stay square and keep your eyes on the ball.
Keeping your hands on the same plane and maintaining a square chest position can help you track the ball throughout the save.

5. Reset as a team after every goal.
Getting scored on is part of being a goalie. Grayson focuses on helping his defenders reset, identifying what went wrong, and deciding how the team will respond on the next possession.

6. Give technical changes time to work.
Adjusting his stance and leaning forward took Grayson nearly a full year. New techniques can feel uncomfortable at first, but patience and consistent practice can help them become part of your game.

7. Enjoy the process, including the imperfections.
No goalie saves every shot. Grayson encourages goalies to remember why they started playing, have fun, and keep working to become the best version of themselves.

Topics Covered

• Grayson's early introduction to box lacrosse goalie

• Transitioning from box lacrosse to field lacrosse at age 14

• Reading shooters and staying patient against fakes

• Playing high arc and choosing when to challenge shooters

• Improving hand speed while recovering from an injury

• Bottom-hand technique and keeping the hands on the same plane

• Staying square on off-stick high and hip saves

• Handling high-velocity shots and shots on the run

• Resetting mentally after goals and supporting defenders

• Footwork, balance, and lateral movement

• Grayson's recruiting journey and decision to attend Denver

• Lessons from goalie mentor Ryan LaPlante

• Adjusting his stance and technique under Coach Metzbauer

• Earning his first college start against Utah in snowy conditions

• Practising with white balls in the snow

• Improving low saves and rebound readiness

• Winning the U20 World Championship with Team Canada

• The walk-off save that secured the gold medal

• Playing different international formats, including sixes

• Staying motivated and enjoying the goalie position

Memorable Quotes

“Just make sure, like, your body is in the best spot.”

On staying set and balanced rather than chasing the shooter.

“How can I reset my head as quickly as possible?”

On responding to goals against and helping the defence move forward.

“Just go out there, play freely, and have some fun with it.”

On entering a game as a backup and avoiding unnecessary pressure.

“Just have fun with it.”

Grayson's final message to goalies about enjoying the game, embracing imperfection, and continuing to improve.

About Grayson Manning

Grayson Manning is a goalie for the University of Denver men's lacrosse team and has represented Team Canada at the U20 level. Growing up in Canada, he developed his game through box lacrosse before transitioning to field lacrosse at age 14.

At Denver, Grayson worked closely with goalie coach Metzbauer to refine his stance, positioning, and save technique. He had an outstanding sophomore season, setting a new Denver single-season saves record by one save, according to the conversation.

Grayson also helped Team Canada win gold at the U20 World Championships in South Korea, with a walk-off save in the championship game.

Resources Mentioned

• Lax Goalie Rat Academy: Access more than 130 hours of goalie training content covering technique, drills, mental preparation, lacrosse IQ, physical training, and coaching. The first month is $40, with the option to cancel anytime. Visit https://www.laxgoalierat.com/camp

• ThighPro Protection: Explore lightweight thigh protection for lacrosse goalies. Use code LGR for 10% off. Visit https://thighpro.com/lgr

• Goalie Evolution Academy: Grayson discusses learning from and helping Ryan LaPlante and Trevor Tierney at their goalie training sessions.

Final Thoughts

Grayson Manning's journey shows how experience, consistent self-review, and a willingness to make uncomfortable changes can help a goalie grow. From learning through box lacrosse to earning a starting role at Denver and winning gold with Team Canada, his story highlights the importance of preparation, resilience, and team leadership.

His biggest reminder is simple: enjoy the game. You will never save every shot, but every practice and every game gives you another opportunity to improve.

Listen to Episode 303 of the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast for more insights from Grayson Manning, and share the episode with a goalie or coach who could benefit from these lessons.