From top recruit to viral freshman sensation with Brian Ruppel – LGR Podcast Episode 201
By Coach Damon
April 18, 2023
This Episode Is Brought To You By:
Welcome to another episode of the Lax Goalie Rat podcast!
Today, we’re excited to have Maryland goalie Brian Ruppel join us. The freshman netminder has made a name for himself with an impressive start to his college career.
Ruppel was expected to redshirt his first year with the Terrapins, but after an injury to Logan McNaney, he was thrust into the starting position and has thrived as the defending NCAA Champions’ starting goalie.
His debut came against the #4 Princeton Tigers, where he made 14 saves, the most by a Maryland freshman in their first career start since Brian “Doc” Dougherty in 1993.
However, Ruppel’s moment in the spotlight came in an overtime win against #1 Virginia, where he made an incredible triple save flurry that went viral on social media.
https://twitter.com/Inside_Lacrosse/status/1637191759032733696
He was also named B1G Specialist of the Week for his performance, where he tied a career-high 14 saves.
https://twitter.com/TerpsMLax/status/1638274348338360320
Ruppel’s background in lacrosse is unique, as he grew up playing both attack and goalie, even suiting up as a middie and attackman during his freshman year of high school. This experience helped him develop strong clearing skills and the ability to read shooters.
The look of a goalie stick drew Ruppel to play goalie in the first place, and his first-ever goalie stick was a Maryland-dyed goalie head.
During high school, he was a three-sport star, playing basketball, soccer, and lacrosse. He was a highly touted prospect, rated the No. 30 overall recruit and No. 3 goalie by Inside Lacrosse in 2022, and was also an Under Armour All-American.
Ruppel’s dream was always to play for the Maryland Terrapins, and he was a fan of former Terps goalie and current PLL star with the Whipsnakes, Kyle Bernlohr. So when Coach Tillman offered him a spot on the team, it was an easy decision.
Ruppel has honed his skills under the tutelage of legendary Maryland goalie and current Whipsnakes backup Brian Phipps and has also spent time developing with friends of the program Goaliesmith.
It’s clear that Ruppel has already made an impact in his freshman year and has a bright future ahead of him. We can’t wait to see what he’ll accomplish this season and the throughout his career!
Show Notes
Brian Ruppel’s Gear Setup
Video Interview with Brian Ruppel
Videos & Photos of Brian Ruppel
P.S. – Ready to take the next step? Here are 3 powerful ways I can help you:
1.
Join the Lax Goalie Rat Academy
Unlock your full potential inside the premier training program for lacrosse goalies. Get exclusive access to technique tutorials, drills, mental game strategies, lacrosse IQ development, and direct coaching from Coach Damon. Join 400+ goalies who are leveling up their skills and confidence.
2.
Master the Goalie Parent Role
Being a goalie parent is harder than playing the position. That’s why I created the Lacrosse Goalie Super Mom/Dad course — designed for parents with zero lacrosse experience who still want to support their goalie. You’ll learn how to train them (yes, really), but more importantly, how to guide them through the emotional highs and lows of the game.
3.
Get in front of 11,000+ lacrosse enthusiasts
Promote your brand, product, or service by sponsoring the Lax Goalie Rat newsletter. It's the easiest way to get noticed by a passionate and highly targeted community of lacrosse goalies and coaches.
