Trevor Tierney on Goalie Vision, Mental Toughness, and Simplifying the Position

Episode Overview

In Episode 45 of the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with Trevor Tierney, one of the most accomplished lacrosse goalies in the sport. Trevor won two NCAA Division I National Championships with Princeton, a World Championship with Team USA, and an MLL Championship with the Baltimore Bayhawks. He also coached at the University of Denver and co-founded LXTC Goalie Training.

In this conversation, Trevor shares the lessons he learned throughout his playing career and explains how goalies can improve their performance by simplifying their approach. From developing better vision and reaction skills to staying mentally present during games, Trevor offers practical advice for goalies and coaches at every level.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• Why wall ball matters: How daily stick work helps goalies develop the catching and throwing skills needed to make saves and clear the ball effectively.

• Finding the right goalie arc: Why there is no single correct style and how positioning can vary depending on the shooter's location.

• Improving goalie vision: How relaxing your eyes and using a wider field of focus can help you see the ball and react more effectively.

• Staying still before the shot: Why avoiding flinches, false steps, and unnecessary movement can improve reaction time and consistency.

• Developing better save technique: How lateral movement, hand positioning, and getting your body behind the ball can help you make more saves.

• Training for low shots: Why dropping to the knees or using a low squat can help goalies maintain their vision and defend shots near their feet.

• Building mental toughness: How mindfulness, meditation, and focusing on the present moment can help goalies recover after goals and stay composed.

• Using focus drills: How the “yes” drill and the “three, two, one” drill can help goalies become more aware of where they see the ball.

• Communicating with the defense: Why goalies should communicate defensive responsibilities before a shot, then quiet their minds and focus on making the save.

• Keeping lacrosse in perspective: Why a goalie's self-worth should never depend on their performance on the field.

Key Takeaways

1. See the Ball and React

Trevor emphasizes that goalies do not need to overcomplicate the position. While technique is important, the ability to see the ball clearly and react naturally is fundamental to making saves. Excessive movement or thinking too much about mechanics can interfere with performance.

2. Train Your Eyes, Not Just Your Hands

Trevor discusses the visual approach he learned from professional tennis coach Scott Ford. Rather than fixating on a shooter's stick, eyes, or body movements, goalies can practice relaxing their focus and keeping their attention on the area where they expect to make contact with the ball.

3. Consistency Is More Valuable Than Occasional Great Performances

Trevor explains that he would rather help a goalie become consistently reliable than produce one outstanding game followed by several poor ones. Staying still, seeing the ball, and reacting effectively can help build that consistency.

4. Develop Your Own Style

There is no single way to play goalie. Trevor learned from several outstanding goalies and combined elements of their styles to find what worked for him. He encourages coaches to help players develop techniques that suit their individual body types and athletic abilities.

5. Mental Preparation Is Part of Goalie Training

Practicing mindfulness, meditation, and concentration can help goalies remain present during games. Trevor shares drills that teach players to focus on the ball rather than worry about previous goals, future mistakes, or unnecessary technical thoughts.

6. Your Performance Does Not Define Your Worth

One of Trevor's most important messages is that being a good or bad goalie does not determine who you are as a person. Players should work hard, enjoy the game, and carry the discipline and focus they develop through lacrosse into their lives outside the sport.

About Trevor Tierney

Trevor Tierney is a former elite lacrosse goalie who won two NCAA Division I National Championships with Princeton, a World Championship with Team USA, and an MLL Championship with the Baltimore Bayhawks. He later coached at the University of Denver and co-founded LXTC Goalie Training.

Throughout his playing and coaching career, Trevor has explored the technical and psychological aspects of goaltending, including visual focus, movement, mindfulness, and mental performance. He continues to share his experience through coaching, lacrosse programs, and writing.

Resources Mentioned

• Trevor Tierney's blog: https://TrevorTierneyblog.com

• LXTC Lacrosse: Trevor's lacrosse programmes, including goalie training in Colorado.

• Tennis on the Zone: https://tennisonthezone.com — the visual training resource Trevor discusses in the episode.

• Headspace: A meditation and mindfulness app Trevor recommends for developing concentration and presence.

• Lax Goalie Rat Online Camp: https://laxgoalierat.com/goal — training resources for goalies and coaches.

Final Thoughts

Trevor Tierney's biggest lesson is to keep the goalie position simple. Build strong stick skills, practice seeing the ball, stay still before the shot, and learn to react without overthinking. Just as importantly, develop the mental skills to remain present and keep every performance in perspective.

Whether you're a young goalie, an experienced player, or a coach helping the next generation, this episode offers valuable ways to approach training and the mental side of the game.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast for more conversations with lacrosse goalies, coaches, and special guests.