Riley Horoshko on Finding Fun in the Goal, Staying Ready, and Trusting the Process – LGR #299

By Coach Damon

July 8, 2026

Posted In: Podcast

This episode is sponsored by Thigh Pro. Use that special link for 10% off.

Temple goalkeeper Riley Horoshko proves that the path to success doesn’t have to follow the traditional recruiting timeline.

A standout from Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, Horoshko didn’t begin playing club lacrosse until the summer before her senior year of high school after spending much of her childhood as a volleyball player. Despite the late start, relentless outreach to college coaches and belief in the recruiting process landed her at Temple, where she developed into one of the top goalies in the country.

After spending three and a half seasons primarily as a backup, Horoshko’s breakout senior campaign became one of the best in Temple history. She earned American Athletic Conference Goalie of the Year honors, received Honorable Mention All-American recognition, and helped lead the Owls to a remarkable turnaround season. Rather than viewing her years on the bench as a setback, she credits them for helping her rediscover her love for the game and mature both as a player and teammate.

Standing 5-foot-10 with long reach and a left-handed stance, Horoshko uses her size to command the crease while embracing a flexible save style that adapts to each shot. She believes tall goalies should use every inch of their frame instead of shrinking in the cage, while also dedicating extra work to improving low saves. One of her favorite drills involves removing her stick entirely and using only her feet to stop low tennis balls, developing quicker reactions and confidence getting her legs behind shots.

Horoshko’s biggest strength may be her mental approach. She believes the key to elite goalie play is keeping the game fun. Instead of obsessing over mistakes or comparing herself to teammates, she stays relaxed by chatting with defenders, breaking possessions into small moments, practicing box breathing, and even looking at clouds or buildings to reset her focus during games. Her philosophy is simple: the more relaxed she is, the better she plays.

A lesson that shaped her development came from Temple’s coaching staff: “Repetition without repetition.” Rather than repeating identical drills, Horoshko constantly practiced game-like situations with small variations to prepare for the unpredictable nature of live competition. Combined with her emphasis on tracking the top of the shooter’s stick and staying present in every moment, it became the foundation of her success.

Now coaching young goalies in the Lehigh Valley, Horoshko encourages athletes to play multiple sports, avoid comparing themselves to others, and remember why they started playing in the first place. Her advice to every young goalie reflects the mindset that fueled her incredible senior season: