Following in the shadow of Florida great Sarah Reznick, Florida Goalie Elyse Finnelle had a breakthrough season totaling 13 starts on 22 games played, 156 saves with a .529 save %, and collected various accolades such as American Conference GK of the Week, American Conference First Team, USA Lacrosse Magazine Honorable Mention All-American, and IL Women Third Team All American.
In this podcast episode, the Maryland native shares how she got into goal, the coaches behind her ascent into greatness, the skills she continues to work on, and much more.
Half of Florida’s small two-goalie roster, Elyse Finnelle joins us to share her growth in lacrosse, and how playing the field as well as in the goal helped shape her to be a better goalie with more perspective, as well as a better coach for younger goalies.
Finnelle explores her relationship with long-time coach Arvak Marshall and the coaching style he used in both position and leadership coaching, saying “The way he was able to talk to me really clicked in my brain.”
Elyse also unpacks her recruiting process surrounding the 2017 recruiting rule change, and how she knew that Florida was her home.
Finnelle’s story continues into Gainesvillle as she discusses her time so far at Florida, the mental side of working with a two-goalie roster, and the work and respect she exerts in the battle for the starting position.
Her attitude is sustained by a humble and unsatisfied mindset that listeners will be influenced by as Finnelle expresses her love for the mental side of the goalie position.
After leading the Florida defense all the way to the 2024 NCAA Final Four, Finnelle still has two years of eligibility left to continue growing and changing the game.
Exceptional talk with this budding star! Go Gators!
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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