Ryan Daly’s journey to becoming Vermont’s starting goalie has been anything but predictable—just the way he likes it. The Norwell, Massachusetts native describes himself as spontaneous, which is fitting given his introduction to the position. His first time in goal was an impulse decision, and now, as a sophomore, he’s stepped into a starting role for the Catamounts.
In this episode, Daly breaks down his development as a goalie, from early struggles to the drills that helped shape his game. He credits legendary player and Coach Bill Daye for refining his technique through club lacrosse and private training, incorporating tools like weighted shafts and band resistance to build strength and precision. He reflects on past challenges and shares what he would do differently now, offering advice for younger goalies facing similar obstacles.
One of Daly’s favorite aspects of the position is leadership—he thrives on being the backbone of his team. He also embraces the unique advantages of being a lefty goalie, explaining how it impacts angles and shot tracking. For goalies playing in wintry conditions, he shares his best tips for handling the snow, something that comes with the territory in Vermont.
His path to the starting role wasn’t immediate, and he speaks on the backup goalie mentality—how to stay locked in, ready to step up mid-game when the team needs you. He also opens up about his recruiting journey, giving insight into what helped him get noticed and his advice for goalies navigating the process today.
With his quick reflexes, strong leadership, and willingness to adapt, Ryan Daly is proving himself as a key piece of Vermont’s defense.
His story is a reminder that sometimes, the best moves in lacrosse—and in life—come from trusting your instincts.
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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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