Nick Pecora: The Journey, Resilience, and Mindset Behind Lehigh’s Star Goalie – Episode 253

By Coach Damon

November 19, 2024

Posted In: Podcast

Before we jump into this week’s podcast episode, be sure you’ve signed up for the Lacrosse Goalie Summit 14.

4 days of FREE lacrosse goalie coaching sessions including from this week’s podcast guest Nick Pecora! We start December 9!

Here’s the podcast with Nick Pecora:

When it comes to dedication and resilience, Lehigh’s Nick Pecora stands out as an exemplary figure. As the team’s primary goalie, he played a pivotal role in their success during his senior season, starting in all 17 games and making crucial saves when it counted most. Pecora’s standout performances included a 16-save effort in a 12-10 victory over Navy that earned him Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Week honors, and a career-high 19 saves against then No. 1 Army. His consistency helped lead Lehigh to a Patriot League Championship win over Boston University, where he added another solid performance with eight saves.

In this episode, Pecora takes us back to his roots, sharing how he started as a goalie early on and never looked back—goalkeeping was always his position. He credits much of his development to the guidance of impactful coaches like Coach Kyle Kirst, whose enthusiastic and supportive style pushed him to thrive. Pecora emphasizes that true growth comes from loving the game and the process, not just the final scoreboard. This mindset has been pivotal in his journey from sitting out during his sophomore year to securing the starting role in his junior and senior seasons.

Pecora’s path to Lehigh was anything but straightforward. His recruitment was marked by twists, turns, and even some broken promises, but ultimately led him to the perfect fit. He recounts watching standout high school goalies like Will Ramos and Phil Gos, who inspired his early playing style. Beyond the physical preparation, Pecora highlights the importance of mental resilience. He shares a mental reset technique passed down from Yale Lacrosse, along with his pregame rituals that help him reach peak energy levels when it matters most.

Nick Pecora’s story is one of perseverance, hard work, and unwavering passion for the game. With a decorated senior season behind him, his legacy at Lehigh is one that will inspire future goalies for years to come.

Cannot wait to follow this talented goalie through his last season at Lehigh!