Michael Piotrowski on Goalie Fundamentals, College Recruiting, and Mental Toughness

Episode Overview

In Episode 68 of the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with high school lacrosse goalie Michael Piotrowski, also known as Kreese King on Instagram. Michael shares his journey from discovering the goalie position in sixth grade to developing his skills through self-directed learning, goalie camps, and coaching.

Michael discusses how his size influences his playing style, why positioning and efficiency are essential for making saves, and how he continues to improve by identifying weaknesses in his game. He also shares his approach to college recruiting, including building a highlight website with his dad and using a microphone in his chest protector to capture his on-field communication.

The conversation covers goalie training routines, improving low saves, experimenting with different arc styles, and knowing when to leave the crease to make a play. Michael also opens up about handling slumps, maintaining a next-shot mentality, supporting teammates when he is not playing, and staying motivated to improve. As a youth goalie coach, he shares lessons from working with younger players and explains why mastering the fundamentals is so important.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• Finding your passion for goaltending: How Michael discovered the position in sixth grade and developed a love for playing goalie.

• Building your own playing style: How his height, wider stance, and flatter arc influence his approach to making saves.

• Mastering positioning and fundamentals: Why starting in the right position helps goalies move efficiently and cover the goal without unnecessary movement.

• Improving movement efficiency: How Michael has worked to eliminate wasted movements as shot speeds increase with age and competition.

• Preparing for college recruiting: How he researches schools, contacts coaches, attends prospect camps, and prioritizes education alongside lacrosse.

• Creating a standout highlight reel: How Michael and his dad built a website featuring his statistics and game footage.

• Recording goalie communication: How using a microphone in his chest protector helps coaches evaluate his communication and allows him and his defense to review game situations.

• Learning from elite goalies: What Michael has taken from watching Jack Concannon, Drew Adams, and Matt DeLuca, and how he combines different influences to develop his own style.

• Training outside the cage: How virtual goalie sessions, cone drills, and targeted practice help him maintain his fundamentals and improve low saves.

• Experimenting with arc styles: Why Michael is testing a three-step arc to reduce movement and get set before shots arrive.

• Knowing when to leave the crease: How goalies can weigh the opportunity to win a ground ball against the risk of leaving the net unprotected.

• Supporting teammates from the sideline: Why staying engaged, encouraging the team, and being the other goalie's biggest supporter still make a difference.

• Overcoming slumps: How Michael uses support from his teammates, stays positive, and keeps facing shots until he regains confidence.

• Developing mental toughness: Why resetting after a goal, taking a deep breath, and focusing on the next shot are essential habits.

• Maintaining the drive to improve: Why even naturally talented goalies need consistent training, a willingness to work on weaknesses, and a mindset of continuous improvement.

• Coaching younger goalies: How Michael teaches positioning and uses tennis balls to help young players build confidence and overcome their fear of getting hit.

• Building a goalie community: How Michael uses his Kreese King Instagram account to connect with other goalies, share tips, and support younger players.

Key Takeaways

• Start with the fundamentals. Good positioning and efficient movement can make saves easier, especially for taller goalies.

• Work on your weaknesses. Identify the areas of your game that need improvement and build your training around them.

• Keep learning from other goalies. Take useful ideas from different players, then adapt them to create a style that works for you.

• Use video and audio to improve. Reviewing your movements and communication can reveal habits and mistakes you may not notice during a game.

• Choose a college for the right reasons. Prioritize education and find a school where you can see yourself succeeding both academically and athletically.

• Train with a purpose. Use targeted drills to improve specific weaknesses rather than simply repeating what you already do well.

• Be smart about leaving the crease. Consider the likelihood of winning the ground ball and the risk of giving the opposing team an open net.

• Support your teammates, even from the sideline. You can still influence the game by encouraging others and staying engaged.

• Develop a next-shot mentality. Whether you make a save or allow a goal, reset your mind and prepare for the next opportunity.

• Stay confident without becoming overconfident. Build on successful moments while remaining focused on the work ahead.

• Keep improving throughout your career. Natural ability can help you get started, but consistent effort is what helps you reach your potential.

• Be patient with young goalies. Build confidence gradually, reinforce good positioning, and help them become comfortable facing shots.

• Keep your drive alive. Stay committed to your goals, keep working, and trust that the effort will be rewarding.

About Michael Piotrowski

Michael Piotrowski is a high school lacrosse goalie from the Chicago area who began playing the position in sixth grade. Known as Kreese King on Instagram, he has developed his game through self-directed learning, goalie camps, regular coaching, and studying experienced goalies.

Michael is approximately 6'3" to 6'4" and weighs close to 200 pounds. His playing style emphasizes positioning, efficient movement, quick hands, and using his size to cover the goal. He is also working on improving low saves, experimenting with his arc, and finding the right opportunities to make plays outside the crease.

Alongside his playing career, Michael coaches younger goalies and uses his Instagram account to connect with other players and share advice. He is also navigating the college recruiting process, with an interest in sports management and a focus on finding the right balance between education and lacrosse.

Resources Mentioned

• Kreese King on Instagram: Michael's account for connecting with other goalies and sharing goalie-related content. Search for Kreese King with an underscore at the end of the username.

• Lax Goalie Rat Academy: LaxGoalieRat.com/goal for goalie coaching resources and masterclass presentations.

• Goalie Summit: GoalieSummit.com for information about the virtual goalie summit and available training.

• Goalies discussed: Jack Concannon, Drew Adams, and Matt DeLuca, whose playing styles Michael studies for ideas to incorporate into his own game.

Thanks for listening to the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast. Keep working on your weaknesses, trust the fundamentals, support your teammates, and maintain that drive to get better. As Michael reminds young goalies, keep working at it, stay committed, and the effort will be rewarding.