On today’s episode of the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast I’m joined by 5th year senior goalie at UMass, Matt Knote.
Matt’s senior year was nothing short of spectacular. He earned several prestigious accolades, including USILA Third Team All-American, USA Lacrosse Third Team All-American, Inside Lacrosse Honorable Mention All-American, and the Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year.
— Atlantic 10 Conference (@atlantic10) May 4, 2023
He started all 14 games, His .593 save percentage led the nation and his 9.33 goals-against average ranked him second for goals-against average and tenth for saves per game.
Matt’s performance throughout the season was consistently exceptional, with 10+ saves in 11 of the 14 games. Notably, he recorded a whopping 19 saves and four ground balls against Army, earning him several accolades and recognition.
Matt’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. He didn’t receive any college offers until late in the recruiting process, well past the initial September 1 deadline. However, he didn’t let this deter him.
Matt remained patient, focusing on his development and growth, a valuable lesson for all aspiring athletes. His determination ultimately led him to the University of Massachusetts, where he continued to shine and learn from some of the game’s legends.
For Matt, lacrosse is more than a sport; it’s a way of life. He grew up on Long Island.
Lacrosse was relatively new in Matt’s town, but this unique circumstance allowed him to play at a higher level and learn from older goalies.
Matt looked up to legends like former UMass coach Doc Schneider, Zach Oliveri, and Sal Locascio. He was fortunate to be coached by Schneider during his first two years at UMass, an experience that influenced his growth on and off the field.
Upon arriving at UMass, Matt faced the challenge of filling big shoes, taking over for the former Minutemen goalie and current all-star with the Chrome, Sean Sconone.
Matt discusses his relationship with Sconone and the invaluable lessons he learned from working with Sean.
Matt earned the starting role in his freshman year at UMass, despite his youth, and showcased his innate talent with a memorable 16 saves against Ohio State, earning a spot on the College Crosse All-Freshmen First Team.
Subsequently, he went on to earn All-CAA First Team Honors again in his sophomore and junior years before his remarkable breakout season in 2023 as a senior.
Now, as he heads into his final season as a 5th-year graduate student, Matt has his sights set on elevating his game to a whole new level and leading his UMass squad to a strong 2023 campaign.
We hope you enjoy this episode with Matt, where we discuss his phenomenal career, his perseverance through the recruiting process, and valuable insights on improving your quick clears.
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