Episode 304: Andrew Cook on Training with Intent, Mental Toughness, and His Move to Dartmouth

Episode Overview

In Episode 304 of the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with Andrew Cook, also known as Cookie Strings, to discuss his journey from being thrown into the cage by his older brother to playing Division I lacrosse at Johns Hopkins and transferring to Dartmouth.

Andrew shares how he developed his goalie skills, adapted to the speed of college lacrosse, and built a structured training routine to improve specific areas of his game. He also discusses the importance of playing freely, staying present when you're a backup, and using visualization and breathing techniques to strengthen the mental side of the position.

The conversation also covers Andrew's stringing business, his experience testing different goalie heads, and his advice for young goalies who want to reach the next level.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• Starting the goalie journey: How Andrew's older brother introduced him to the position and helped him learn the fundamentals through research, YouTube, and advice from other goalies.

• Finding motivation in the position: Why the pressure, responsibility, and ability to influence a game's outcome make being a goalie so rewarding.

• Navigating the recruiting process: How the Apex Goalie Showcase helped Andrew get noticed by Johns Hopkins and why developing your skills should come before worrying about recruitment.

• Adjusting to Division I lacrosse: How Andrew changed his stance to become more efficient against low shots and learned that every goalie needs a style that works for their body and comfort level.

• Playing freely as a backup: Lessons from his time on the Hopkins scout team with fellow goalie Orange Alinas, including how having fun and staying present helped them improve.

• Training with intent: How Andrew structures his shooting sessions around specific situations, including outside shots, shots on the run, midrange shots with screens, and inside finishing.

• Developing footwork and hand speed: The drills he has practised since childhood, including ladder work, jump rope, stepping drills, juggling, and wall ball.

• Strengthening the mental game: How meditation, box breathing, and visualization help Andrew prepare for games and handle the possibility of getting scored on.

• Responding to a slump: Why focusing on communication, clearing, supporting teammates, and bringing positive energy can help a goalie get through a difficult stretch.

• Building Cookie Strings: How Andrew learned to string lacrosse sticks, grew his Instagram presence, and turned his interest into a stringing business.

• Choosing the right goalie head: Andrew's thoughts on the Warrior Answer and Maverik Crease, including their shape, stiffness, throat design, and impact on rebounds and ball release.

• Transferring to Dartmouth: Why Andrew decided to explore new opportunities after two years at Johns Hopkins and what made Dartmouth feel like the right fit.

Key Takeaways for Lacrosse Goalies

1. Train with a purpose.
Rather than taking random shots, identify the specific parts of your game that need improvement and build your sessions around them. Practising realistic game situations, such as getting set between feeders, can make your training more effective.

2. Focus on what you can control.
You cannot always control your place on the depth chart or how others evaluate you. You can control your preparation, effort, attitude, communication, and how you support your teammates.

3. Prepare mentally for both success and adversity.
Andrew visualizes making saves as well as getting scored on. By mentally rehearsing difficult moments, goalies can be better prepared to respond calmly during a game.

4. Find a stance that works for you.
Small adjustments can make a significant difference. Andrew found that bringing his hips back and leaning his chest forward helped him reach low shots more effectively. However, he emphasizes that no two goalies play exactly alike.

5. Remember why you started playing.
Even when you're struggling or playing a backup role, stay connected to the enjoyment of the game. Have fun, be a good teammate, and keep working to improve.

About Andrew Cook

Andrew Cook, better known as Cookie Strings, is a lacrosse goalie who played at Johns Hopkins before transferring to Dartmouth for the upcoming season discussed in this episode. Originally from Utah and later a standout at Torrey Pines in San Diego, Andrew developed his game through years of dedicated practice, structured shooting sessions, and a strong interest in learning the technical and mental sides of goaltending.

Outside the cage, Andrew creates lacrosse content and runs Cookie Strings, a stringing business that grew from his early efforts to learn how to string his own sticks.

Follow Cookie Strings on Instagram for goalie training videos, stringing content, and more.

Resources Mentioned

• Lax Goalie Rat Academy: Access more than 130 hours of goalie training content covering technique, drills, mental performance, lacrosse IQ, physical training, and more. The first month is $40. Visit laxgoalierat.com/camp.

• ThighPro Protection: Explore thigh protection designed to help goalies stay comfortable and protected. Use the code LGR for 10% off at thighpro.com/lgr.

• Cookie Strings: Follow Andrew's lacrosse and stringing content on Instagram.

Final Thoughts

Andrew's story is a reminder that becoming a better goalie requires more than making saves. It takes intentional practice, consistent effort, mental preparation, and the ability to stay positive through challenging moments. Whether you're working toward college recruitment or trying to earn more playing time, focus on becoming the best goalie and teammate you can be, one day at a time.