The Fiery Competitor: Michael Ippoliti on Syracuse, Team Italy, and Goalie Life – Podcast #278
By Coach Damon
August 27, 2025
This episode is sponsored by Thigh Pro:
Michael Ippoliti, a Farmingdale, New York native, is the starting goalie for Syracuse University and a member of Team Italy’s national program.
Growing up on Long Island, a lacrosse hotbed, he began playing at age five and found his way to the crease in third grade during a PAL game when his coach needed a volunteer. From that moment, Ippoliti fell in love with the position and never looked back.
He developed his skills with Long Island club programs like Team Igloo and Shore 2 Shore, gaining exposure to high-level coaching and competition. A multi-sport athlete, Ippoliti credits his background in baseball, basketball, and football with sharpening his hand-eye coordination, footwork, and leadership traits that carried directly into his goalie play.
Known for his mix of strong fundamentals and creative, instinctive play, Ippoliti describes his style as both disciplined and situational. He frequently uses baiting techniques to challenge shooters, adapts his arc depending on the situation, and thrives outside the crease, where his clearing ability and stick skills add an extra dimension to his game.
In the 2023 European Lacrosse Championships, he made headlines as the only goalie to score a goal, showcasing his aggressive style in transition.
Ippoliti cites influences like Kyle Bernlohr, Adam Ghitelman, and Mikey Adler goalies who proved that size doesn’t limit success at the highest levels. He has also benefitted from mentorship within his Farmingdale and Syracuse lacrosse networks, including former Syracuse goalie Rob Mulligan.
Beyond his own play, Ippoliti is passionate about coaching youth goalies, teaching fundamentals while encouraging creativity and adaptability. For him, the best part of being a goalie is the ability to change the momentum of a game and serve as a leader for his team.
Enjoy my conversation with Michael Ippoliti.
Show Notes
Michael Ippoliti Stick Setup
Video Interview with Michael Ippoliti
Pics and Videos of Michael Ippoliti
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