CORTLAND, NY – Being a lacrosse goalie is a high pressure, physically demanding role that requires a unique skill set, serving as the last line of defense and often determining the outcome of the game.
“Balancing being locked in while handling the pressure is definitely a mental game,” said Cortland goalkeeper Jack Lucidi. “For me, it’s about staying in the moment and focusing on each play as it comes, rather than the overall outcome.”
For the Red Dragons, this responsibility rests on the shoulders of graduate student Travis Wagner from Penfield, NY. As the starting goalie, Wagner has been instrumental in Cortland’s impressive 8-2 start to the 2025 season, showcasing resilience and skill in every match.
“I know what works for me and that allows me to go play my best every day,” said Wagner “Knowing that, I can trust all the time and work I’ve put in over the years to make this last season the best one yet.”
Backing up Wagner is sophomore Charlie Falowski from Redding, CT, who has demonstrated impressive dependability when called upon. The other back ups consist of Jack Lucidi and Max Moran, who are both just beginning their collegiate lacrosse journey.
Together, the goalies form a formidable last line of defense, embodying the Red Dragons’ commitment to excellence and teamwork as they pursue SUNYAC championship glory.
Photo from SUNY Cortland Athletics
Unlike other players on the field who can afford a moment to set up their next move, goalies have to react in an instant. Shots in college lacrosse can exceed 90 miles per hour, often coming from unpredictable angles and through screens of defenders. Goalies have no time to hesitate. They must track the ball from the shooter’s stick, predict its trajectory, and position themselves accordingly, all within a fraction of a second.
It’s possible that the most difficult part of being a goalie is not the physical demands. It’s the mental game.
“Having the ability to trust ourselves and our skills is such an important part of our position,” said Falowski.” How we react to certain things sets the tone of the game, whether that is being scored on, or making a big save..”
Every goalie will get scored on, and it’s especially inevitable in a sport like lacrosse, where double-digit goals are common. The best goalies must have the ability to shake off a bad goal and regain focus instantly. They also must have the ability to not let a good performance go to their heads.
“I think the mental aspect is the most important part of playing this position,” said Wagner. “Physical strength can only get you so far playing goalie and I believe that being mentally tough and understanding how to handle the highs and lows are critical to success.”
The biggest thing Cortland’s goalies rely on, is each other. The goalies depend on their teammates to communicate, apply pressure, and execute clears to keep the game under control. This mutual trust allows the team to play aggressively and confidently, knowing that whether it’s Wagner, Falowski, Lucidi, or Moran in net, there’s always a strong anchor in the defense.
“The biggest thing for me is just staying in the moment and staying confident in myself and my teammate’s ability to trust me as the last line of defense,” said Lucidi.