Greg “The Cat” Cattrano On Becoming One of the Best – LGR Episode #102
By Coach Damon
Last updated: July 14, 2021
Greg Cattrano is in the elite group of goaltenders with multiple Goalie of the Year awards in pro lacrosse.
Getting his start at Three Village Lacrosse on Long Island, Greg was thrown into goal when the team had no goalie and his Coach (aka his Dad) decided he didn’t want to put anyone else’s kid in goal.
From the early days of saving rocks in his backyard from his brother, Greg fell in love with this sport and this position.
In his very first game in goal, Greg Cattrano got a shutout 8-0. He didn’t remember if he made any saves, but he got a shutout nonetheless.
He went to lacrosse powerhouse high school Ward Medville where many top lacrosse goalies have come out of including Cattrano who was an All-American his senior season.
Greg Cattrano played collegiate lacrosse at Brown and in 1997 he was Goalie of the Year (C. Markland Kelly award).
At Brown University, Cattrano rose to national prominence. He was named NCAA Goalie of the Year in 1997 as a senior, as well as All-Ivy, All-New England and team MVP. He was a two-time All-American and saved 68 percent of the shots he faced during his collegiate career. He kept his scoring up in college, netting three goals – an NCAA record for goalies.
After college, Cattrano played three seasons for the New York Saints of the National Lacrosse League. He played club lacrosse for NYAC and played for Team USA in 1999 at the World Lacrosse Championships.
When the MLL formed for the 2001 season, Cattrano was assigned to the Baltimore Bayhawks and played three seasons there before being traded to Philadelphia. He played in the league’s first five championship games, winning titles in 2002, 2003 and 2004.
Cattrano made his return home to Long Island when the Barrage traded him to the Lizards for Philly native Brian Dougherty in March 2005. Cattrano was pleased.
He was named MLL Goaltender of the Year three times, won the MLL MVP award in 2002 and has played in numerous All-Star games. He holds the league record in wins (40-19) as well as goals against average (13.4).
In 2004, while still a member of the Barrage, he became the first MLL goalie to score in a game.
In this interview we explore the mindset of Greg inside the cage and how he approaches this position.
YouTube Video
Show Notes
P.S. – Ready to take the next step? Here are 3 powerful ways I can help you:
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