We got the opportunity to interview a talented goalkeeper whose journey from youth soccer to playing for Syracuse University is nothing short of inspiring. In this exclusive interview, Lilly shares how her passion for the game led her to the goalkeeper position, the lessons she learned from playing at multiple youth clubs, and how balancing high school, club soccer, and basketball shaped her into the athlete she is today. Named Charlotte Football Club’s Female Goalkeeper of the Year in 2024, Lilly's story is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous improvement. From navigating the competitive recruiting process to adjusting to life as a Division I student-athlete, Lilly’s insights offer valuable advice for aspiring goalkeepers everywhere. Dive into her journey and discover what it takes to rise to the top in one of soccer’s most demanding positions!
1. You started playing soccer when you were young. Did you start out as a goalkeeper? What got you into the position?
I played one season of soccer when I was 4 and found I didn't enjoy it at that age. I then played fast-pitch softball and basketball for several years and later returned back to soccer in fourth grade. As it turns out, the assistant coach for my rec soccer team had also been the assistant coach for the softball team I had played on. He went up to my mom at my very first soccer practice and told her he was going to tell the head coach to put me in goal. She asked him why, considering I really didn’t even know the rules of soccer yet, and he said “If she can stop a line drive at third base, she can stop a soccer ball, plus she’s tall.” I guess he was right. I loved the position and continued playing it throughout the season and haven't gone back since.
2. You played for multiple youth clubs growing up, how do you think your experience at the youth level has shaped you as a goalkeeper?
I think my collective experiences through different clubs has definitely given me a variety of different perspectives and techniques towards the game and the way in which I play. Through learning different levels of play and different playing styles I feel I was able to find the one that best defined me as a goalkeeper, and the one I felt most comfortable with. Each club I played for helped to shape me into who I am and how I play today.
3. You played high school soccer as well as club soccer. What do you think were the differences in levels between the two?
For me there wasn't a huge difference in level of play between high school and club due to the high school and conference I was in. I attended South Mecklenburg High School in the 4A division and started since my freshman year. My freshman year, I honestly think the level of play might have been a higher level (in comparison to club soccer) as far as the competition we would play. I was challenged to play against some of the best players in the conference at ages 2-3 years older than me, and honestly it helped me to grow into my club season the following year knowing that my standards for competition were raised. High school was great because you could represent your high school in front of your closest friends, so it made the relationships between players closer, and the drive to compete to win against rival schools higher. Club was good because there was more feedback and development from a technical standpoint, while high school was good from a personal and mental standpoint.
4. You were a standout at the youth level, being named Charlotte Football Club's Female Goalkeeper of the Year in 2024. How were you able to find such success at the youth level?
I think my success truly came from the coaches, teammates and family around me and the work I was willing to put in to improve as a goalkeeper. My goal was always to play soccer in college, and as I learned from training with older players, guys, and higher level teams, I was able to develop at a more accelerated level. I wanted to be around those better than me so I could be pushed and ultimately I learned from it. I knew I needed to put in additional work to compete with them, whether that be private goalkeeper sessions, weightlifting, or training on my own. I did what I could to play at a higher level. I also played basketball year long which helped with my conditioning, jumping, athleticism, handling, and reflexes. I never got an ECNL or GA offer until my senior year of high school. I was on ECRL for 4 years and honestly I learned a lot from it. I got more playing time and experience, I got to play up age groups, and train with older girls, and I also learned that the level at which you play doesn't necessarily dictate the talent you possess. Talent is earned, not given. Did I have to work harder to talk to bigger schools and devote more time outside of training? Definitely, but my hard work was recognized. So, if you take anything away from my story, just know that if you put the work and the time in, anything is possible. You just have to be willing to put in the work that others won't.
5. Talk to us about what your recruiting process was like? How early did you start? How many schools did you talk to?
My recruiting process started my freshman/sophomore year. I went to 2-3 ID camps my freshman year to gauge what level of collegiate soccer best fit me, then spent most of the summer my sophomore year attending ID camps. I began creating highlight videos, writing letters, sending emails to possible colleges that had reached out to me, or that were dream schools of mine with the help of coaches and family. Once June 15th my sophomore year hit, I had a mix of every level of collegiate soccer reaching out to me, and even a few colleges reached out to me to play both soccer and basketball for them as well. I made sure to keep in touch with all of them through my process. When my junior year began, I also attended several ID clinics and combines which hosted several colleges. Most weekends that year I was either at games, showcases, ID clinics or additional goalkeeper sessions. It was not an easy process, but I was able to learn from my coaches, and the college coaches I was talking to as I moved through the year. I talked to several schools all on the D1 to D3 level, and each one of them helped me through my process until I ultimately committed to Syracuse University at the end of my Junior year. My biggest advice is to stay consistent, put the work in on/off the field, and to put in the time to research the college you talk to. Show them that you truly care about their program. Make yourself stand out. For me I always looked up the histories of the soccer programs and brought questions specific to the college I was talking to. It showed them that I cared and I wanted to be there. Every college that reaches out to you is a blessing and a big deal no matter the division. It's an accomplishment that you earned.
6. Why did you ultimately end up choosing Syracuse? What were the major factors for that decision?
I initially didn’t want to go to a college more than 5-6 hours away from home, but I ultimately ended up choosing Syracuse due to the combination of both high levels of academics and soccer. The ability to play in the ACC, among some of the best players in the country, was a big factor for me. I also loved the coaching staff and the campus. I immediately fell in love with it, as I was attending ID camps there. I knew I wanted to be there both as a student and an athlete. Syracuse became my dream school, and thankfully I got the offer to play for their soccer program.
7. You just completed your first semester in college. What was the transition process like to college soccer? How has balancing school, soccer, and a new city been?
The transition to college honestly was not too different for me workload wise, since I've played two year long sports for most of my life. I've always had to balance school, soccer and basketball throughout high school and middle school, training 3-4 hours most days after school, and that greatly set me up for success in college. Being far away from home initially was a big change for me, but honestly you have so much going on between practices, school, and team bonding that you are too busy to realize the change in the moment. It was a lot of balancing practices, lifts, games, film, school, tutoring and a new environment, but it is completely manageable if you utilize your resources. I used tutors, academic and athletic advisors to my advantage, and they greatly helped me to settle into this new environment. My coaches and teammates helped me adjust as well. You begin to find what works best for you, and keep rolling with it.
8. What are some of the biggest lessons you've learned so far in your college soccer journey?
Some of the biggest lessons I've learned is that everyone's process is different. Don't get caught comparing your own to someone else's. It will make you lose sight of your own process and the accomplishments you've made. I've also learned that mistakes are ok, and it's ok to not be perfect all the time. Be comfortable being uncomfortable. That is one of the best things anyone has ever said to me. Most of our growth comes from overcoming things that are hard, and yes perfection is preached at certain levels of play, but mistakes are a natural part of growing, just don't make them a habit.
9. What are some of your goals for your freshman year and beyond? How do you plan to achieve them?
Some goals I have are to maintain good grades, become a starter, and hopefully either become a professional athlete or obtain a job in a sports-related field. My major is undecided. I'm not sure what the future holds for me quite yet, but either way my academics will always hold priority, and I'll keep pushing myself to be the best student and athlete I can be. I plan to achieve these through a collection of smaller goals. For example, taking care of my body more (sleep, stretching, rehab), dedicating time to study for my classes, and putting in additional training and film outside of provided training. Who knows, a few years from now my goals could be completely different. I just know I want to be the best me I can be on and off the field.
10. Who is your favorite goalkeeper in the world?
Growing up I loved watching Hope Solo play. I spent a lot of time watching her games and training videos. Her athletic abilities and talent were unmatched and in my opinion she was the best female goalkeeper in the world at that time. I wanted to grow up and play professionally or in college like her. As I grew through high school I found Katie Meyer and actually got to meet her once too. She has been one of my biggest inspirations since and I loved watching her play for Stanford, especially her 2019 NCAA Championship game versus North Carolina. I also love watching Matt Turner play and really admire his story and how he has progressed to the National team. His composure on the ball with his feet and his shot-stopping ability is insane.
Another great interview with an up-and-coming collegiate goalkeeper! Keep your eyes peeled for Lilly and the Syracuse women's soccer team in the future. For now, head over to our Amazon Storefront to see all of our BEST goalkeeping recommendations for both on and off the field. You can also head over to our online shop to see our entire line of goalkeeper gloves, apparel, and FREE resources. Be sure to follow us on all of our social media pages: Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Commenti