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In this episode of the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast, Michigan lacrosse goalie Hunter Taylor shares his journey to becoming a Division 1 athlete, the lessons he’s learned, and the mindset that has driven his success. Whether you’re a goalie, coach, or lacrosse fan, Hunter’s story is filled with valuable tips and inspiration for anyone looking to level up their game.
Control What You Can
Hunter’s mantra, “control the controllables,” is at the heart of his approach to the game. As a goalie, there are countless factors out of your control—weather, referees, or even the opponent’s skill level. But Hunter emphasizes focusing on the things you can control, like your attitude, effort, and preparation.
“Don’t let the things you can’t control impact your play,” Hunter explains. Instead, he focuses on elements like body language and communication, which may not always be top of mind for goalies but can make a huge difference in building trust with teammates and coaches.
From Football to the Crease
Growing up in Maryland, Hunter was surrounded by high-level lacrosse, but he also played other sports, particularly football. He credits football for instilling toughness and teaching him the importance of footwork, a skill that translates directly to the lacrosse field.
Playing multiple sports not only enhanced his physical abilities but also gave him mental breaks, keeping his passion for lacrosse alive. “Sometimes less is more,” Hunter says, encouraging young players to take time away from the game to recharge and return stronger.
Transitioning to Division 1 Lacrosse
The jump to Division 1 lacrosse is no small feat. Hunter describes it as a year-round commitment that requires strong time management and mental discipline. He learned to balance the demands of practice, travel, and academics by staying organized and developing a consistent routine.
One key to his success has been working with a sports psychologist. Through techniques like deep breathing and grounding exercises, Hunter has learned how to stay calm under pressure and maintain focus during games.
Competition has also been a driving force in his development. Whether he’s battling for the starting spot or working alongside his goalie teammates, the push to improve daily has helped Hunter elevate his game.
Lessons from the Big Ten Tournament
Last season, Michigan made a memorable run in the Big Ten Tournament. For Hunter, the key to their success was trust and unity among teammates. “When your back’s against the wall, you dig deep,” he says. That mentality, combined with the team’s belief in one another, allowed them to play their best lacrosse when it mattered most.
Advice for Aspiring Goalies
Hunter’s advice for young goalies is simple:
Control the controllables: Focus on your effort, attitude, and preparation.
Be a great teammate: Support your defense, communicate, and build trust.
Simplify your game: Trust your training, and don’t overthink in the cage.
Hunter Taylor’s story is a powerful reminder of the value of hard work, resilience, and a positive attitude. As Michigan gears up for another season, we can’t wait to see how Hunter continues to thrive both on and off the field.
Listen to the full episode for more insights and inspiration from this rising star in the lacrosse world!
P.S. - Whenever you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you:
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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.
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