This is the episode I have been waiting for a long, long time.
In 2021, I made a list of the top 5 goalies that I wanted to interview that year, and number 1 on that list was none other than UVA legend Tillman Johnson.
We got close a few times but couldn’t make it happen in 2021, but here we are in 2022 and it was worth the wait.
Tillman made a strong case for the greatest lacrosse goalie of all time during his four years in the crease at Virginia. As a freshman, Johnson was named ACC Rookie of the Year and wrapped his career in the NCAA as a 4x All-American and 2003 National Champion.
Tillman started all 59 games in his collegiate career from 2001-2004 and finished his career third in ACC history with a school-record 700 saves.
Known for being incredibly responsive and an acrobat between the irons, Tillman has helped revolutionize the position.
Tillman inspired an entire generation of lacrosse goalies.
“This dude back in 2003 made ME want to play goalie.” @diggstape
He showed us the true power of the goalie position.
In 2003, in the National Championship Game and really the whole tournament, he played light out making save after save, pumping up his team, and winning the national title for Virginia along with tournament MVP honors.
Suddenly, middies, attackmen, and d-players all wanted to be the goalie.
That Tillman Johnson Championship was the first college game I ever went to. That day I switched from attack to goalie and never looked back
So many goalies that I’ve interviewed for the podcast mention Tillman’s National Championship performance as the reason they wanted to be a goalie and train so hard to excel at the position.
💭 I’ve watched more older film of goalie play the past 3 weeks than my entire life combined…
Tillman Johnson sparked my love for this position and I remember watching him with a stick in my hands in my basement at age 10. I’m having trouble not calling him the best ever.
Tillman joins the show today to discuss how he got started in goal, his time at Virginia, his unforgettable 2003 season, influencing a generation of goalies, and much more!
Huge Announcement!! Goalie Training with Tillman
So pumped to announce this!
At the end of the podcast I asked Tillman if he was interested in doing a little virtual coaching for the Lax Goalie Rat community of goalies. He was!!
We’re doing it as a fundraiser for the National MS Society. Ticket sales proceeds will be donated to that cause.
In 2006, Tillman’s sister was diagnosed with MS. He’s seen first hand the mental and physical pain caused by the disease and helping others fight MS is a cause near and dear to his heart.
Come learn from the GOAT while benefitting a great cause near and dear to Tillman’s heart. Goalie coaching for a cause!
P.S. - Whenever you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you:
1.Lax Goalie Rat Academy - The Lax Goalie Rat Academy is a premier membership program that gives you the tools and skillset to level up your goalie game. Technique, drills, mental game, lacrosse IQ and direct coaching from Coach Damon to turn your goalie into a leader and a confident save machine. Join 400+ goalies inside.
2.Lacrosse Goalie Super Mom/Dad - Some call lacrosse goalie the hardest position in sports. That's not true. It's the goalie Mom or Dad. I put together this course specially for the parents who know nothing about lacrosse but still want to help their son or daughter be the best they can be. Learn how to train them but more importantly learn how to support them on this emotional rollercoaster.
3.Promote yourself to 11,000+ subscribers by sponsoring my newsletter.
Lacrosse is my passion! The game has given me so much and this blog is my way of giving back to the lax community. Specifically the most bad a$$ part of that community - the goalies! After learning to play goalie from scratch, I wanted to create a site where I could share what I learned with others so they too can become champions in the crease and in life. Learn more about Coach Damon.
Want virtual goalie coaching sessions from the best coaches in the game? Look no further...
The Lacrosse Goalie Summit replays give you access to best goalie coaching out there. Coaches like Ted Bergman, John Galloway, Matt Deluca, Brian Phipps, Kyle Bernlohr, Liz Hogan, Caylee Waters, Lyndsey Munoz, Chris Buck, Taylor Moreno, Sean Quirk, Goaliesmith, Meg Taylor, Drake Porter, Emily Sterling, Brett Dobson, and so many more. These sessions give your youth the confidence and the tools to be amazing in the crease!
Click an event to learn more about the goalie coaching sessions included!
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