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As Mercyhurst University makes its ambitious leap into NCAA Division I men’s lacrosse, one name to watch between the pipes is sophomore goalie Jaret Jawor.

A native of Lockport, Illinois, Jawor played his high school lacrosse at Wheaton Academy, where he developed into a strong and athletic netminder. Now standing at 6-foot-3, Jawor brings size, reach, and a calming presence to the crease—traits that are quickly turning heads in his second collegiate season.

Jawor made his college debut in 2024, seeing time in six games as a freshman. He made 21 saves while posting a 6.95 goals-against average and an impressive .618 save percentage, finishing the season with a 1–0 record. His early showings hinted at potential, and in 2025, that potential has started to materialize.

This season, Jawor has stepped into a more active role, appearing in five games and making one start. Across 143 minutes of action, he's registered:

• 38 saves
• 36 goals against
• 15.06 GAA
• .514 save percentage
• 1–1 overall record

But the numbers only tell part of the story.

In NEC conference play, Jawor has stepped up under pressure, delivering a .571 save percentage across two appearances—highlighted by a standout 19-save performance against Robert Morris. Though the Lakers didn’t secure the win, Jawor’s poise and shot-stopping ability stood out in a hard-fought matchup.

The 2025 season is a landmark one for Mercyhurst. After years of dominance at the Division II level, the Lakers have entered the Division I stage with a youthful roster, a new head coach in Trey Keeley, and something to prove. While postseason eligibility will have to wait, performances from players like Jawor have helped Mercyhurst secure key wins—most notably a dominant 22–6 victory over Hampton.

As Mercyhurst builds its foundation in Division I, Jaret Jawor is emerging as a core piece of that future. With two years of eligibility left and a growing confidence in the cage, expect Jawor to continue evolving into one of the NEC’s top goaltenders.

Keep your eye on No. 12—he’s just getting started. Enjoy my conversation with future star Jaret Jawor.

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Owen Salanger has quickly made a name for himself as a standout goalie for the University of Massachusetts men’s lacrosse team.

A freshman from Liverpool, New York, Salanger has demonstrated exceptional skill, composure, and leadership in the cage, earning Honorable Mention All-American honors from USA Lacrosse Magazine.

His ability to make clutch saves and control the defense has been a key factor in UMass’s success this season.

Salanger’s lacrosse journey began at Liverpool High School, where he was a dominant force in goal. His performances earned him a spot at UMass, where he wasted no time making an impact.

In his freshman season, he posted an impressive 9-5 record as a starter, with a 9.36 goals-against average and a .565 save percentage. His 165 saves rank as the third-most all-time for a freshman netminder at UMass, proving his ability to handle high-pressure situations.

Throughout the season, Salanger has delivered standout performances, including 16 saves against Brown, 13 saves against Albany, and 12 saves against Richmond.

His consistency and ability to read the game have placed him among the top 10 goalies in the nation in save percentage and top 15 in goals-against average.

His contributions were instrumental in UMass’s push for success in the Atlantic 10 Conference, where he made 59 saves in five A-10 games.

Off the field, Salanger continues to refine his skills and study the game, drawing inspiration from elite goalies who have come before him.

His dedication to improvement and his ability to perform under pressure make him a promising talent for UMass lacrosse. As he continues to develop, Salanger is poised to become one of the premier goalies in collegiate lacrosse.

Enjoy my conversation with elite freshman goalie Owen Salanger.

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Fairfield Goalie Owen Hirsch: Confidence Is Contagious

In this episode of the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon sits down with Fairfield University goalie Owen Hirsch to talk all things between the pipes. Owen shares his inspiring journey from a young, pad-covered beginner to D1 starter, highlighting how he conquered his fear of the ball and developed elite confidence in the cage.

The conversation dives deep into goalie mindset, techniques like the "Philly Flow" system, the importance of routines, and why confidence is contagious—especially in the goalie position. Owen also reflects on his team’s incredible 9–0 start, lessons learned from setbacks, and how leadership and mental toughness are shaping his approach going into his fifth year.

Whether you're a youth goalie, a coach, or a proud goalie parent, this episode is packed with relatable insights and actionable tips to level up your game. And yes—we even talk about how to eat the elephant… one piece at a time.

Sponsored by:

• Thigh Pro Protection: Protect your legs without sacrificing mobility – thighpro.com/lgr
• Lax Goalie Rat Academy: Join today at laxgoalierat.com/camp

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Maura Spicer is a promising young lacrosse player for Cherokee High School in Marlton, New Jersey. A member of the Class of 2028, Spicer plays as a goalkeeper for the Cherokee Girls Varsity Lacrosse team.

Spicer has already begun making an impact on the field. During the 2024-2025 season, she recorded eight saves across three games, averaging 6.06 saves per game. Her standout performances include a ten-save game against Cinnaminson and a eight-save effort in a dominant win over Lenape.

Beyond her contributions to Cherokee High School, Spicer has also competes with All American Aim, a lacrosse club based in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. This club provides athletes with resources to navigate the recruiting process and develop their skills at a high level. She also competes in a Box Lacrosse League for Girls becoming a pioneer for the indoor sport.

As she continues her high school career, Spicer is poised to refine her abilities and gain more experience in competitive play. With her dedication and growing skill set, she is a player to watch in the coming years. Enjoy my conversation with young standout goalie Maura Spicer.

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Daniella (Danny) Guyette is an emerging talent in collegiate lacrosse, recognized for her agility, composure, and leadership as a goalkeeper for Syracuse University.

Originally from Newbury Park, California, Guyette’s lacrosse journey began at Newbury Park High School, where she was a standout player. She earned multiple accolades, including three-time All-Marmonte League First Team and All-Ventura County First Team honors. Her senior year was particularly impressive, as she posted a .590 save percentage with 130 saves in just 12 games. She was also named to US Lacrosse’s Fab 50 and played in the Adrenaline All-American Senior Game.

At Syracuse, Guyette has continued to develop her skills. After missing her freshman season due to injury, she made her collegiate debut in 2024, playing in seven games and recording a 7.63 goals-against average with a .524 save percentage. She made her first career save against Virginia Tech and had a season-high three saves against UAlbany.

Guyette’s dedication to the sport has been shaped by her admiration for past Syracuse goalies. Growing up, she studied the play styles of standout SU goalkeepers like Asa Goldstock and Delaney Sweitzer, incorporating elements of their game into her own. Now, with Sweitzer’s transfer to Northwestern, Guyette is poised to take on a larger role as Syracuse’s starting goalie in 2025.

Off the field, Guyette is pursuing a degree in forensic science and has been recognized for her academic achievements, earning spots on the ACC Academic Honor Roll and the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.

The start to her Syracuse career didn't go exactly as planned as Guyette suffered a knee injury keeping her out the entire year. We talk about the process of overcoming an injury like that both mentally and physically.

Her journey from a determined high school athlete to a rising collegiate star serves as an inspiration to young lacrosse players aiming to make their mark at the next level.

Enjoy my conversation with outstanding Syracuse goalie Danny Guyette.

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Podcast interview with Carolina Tar Heels goalie Betty Nelson.

At UNC, Nelson quickly made her mark. In her first collegiate start, she recorded seven saves, contributing to a dominant 14-2 victory over James Madison. Throughout the 2025 season, she has maintained a save percentage over 50% and played a pivotal role in UNC's top-ranked scoring defense. Her exceptional performance earned her a spot on the 2025 Tewaaraton Award Watch List, recognizing her as one of the nation's elite players.​

Off the field, Nelson is pursuing a degree in psychology and is known for her dedication to mentoring younger players. She emphasizes the importance of mental resilience, preparation, and teamwork. Her journey from a young girl playing in boys' leagues to a standout collegiate athlete serves as an inspiration to aspiring lacrosse players everywhere. Enjoy my talk with star UNC goalie Betty Nelson.

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In this podcast episode, Notre Dame goalie Isabel Pithie opens up about the mental side of goalkeeping and how she stays focused and ready for action. A key theme of her journey has been mental preparation—whether it’s staying locked in during games, visualizing key moments, or learning how to reset after conceding a goal.

She talks about how visualization and awareness of the game’s flow keep her mentally sharp, even when not in the cage. Pre-game, she keeps it simple with quick jogs and feel-good shots, focusing more on confidence than technical adjustments. The trust in her extensive training helps her feel ready when called upon as a backup goalie.

Izzy also dives into the importance of positive self-talk. Phrases like "Patience" and "Aggression" help her stay composed and assertive. Even when facing frustrations or tough moments, she uses these mantras to reset and keep her mindset focused on the next play.

Through her journey from watching the game as a kid to standing confidently in net for the Irish, Izzy has developed a strong mental game, which she credits to both visualization and positive self-talk. She emphasizes how goalies need to stay resilient and focus on the process, not the mistakes.

For younger goalies, Izzy's advice is clear: prioritize footwork, maintain a strong team mentality, and always remember why you play. Whether through gear preferences, self-talk, or keeping calm under pressure, Izzy’s approach offers valuable insights for goalies at all levels.

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Podcast interview with Brown goalie Connor Foley.

Brown University goalie Connor Foley has been turning heads this season with a .560 save percentage, Ivy League Defensive Player of the Week honors, and an Inside Lacrosse HM All-American. But what sets Foley apart isn’t just stats—it’s his energy, style, and mindset.

He joins the show to discuss his lacrosse goalie game and the lessons he's learned along the way.

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