The Goalkeeper Mentality by Aubrey McLin

"My name is Aubrey McLin, and I’m a 2008 goalkeeper dedicated to constantly challenging myself through diverse training situations and environments. I strive to avoid becoming static or staying in a comfort zone for too long. I compete in ECNL, USL-A, WPSL, ODP, PDP, Futsal, and with a men’s team.

Through these different environments, I have come to understand that the goalkeeper position is perhaps the most mentally intense role in sports. The mindset required demands great strength and resilience—both key elements for success in this craft.

The highs and lows goalkeepers experience can happen within seconds or minutes, with stretches of inactivity suddenly interrupted by moments of intense pressure that can decide a match. You hope for the crowd's cheers, yet you must also brace yourself for the mental test that comes with criticism. This unique role requires not only technical ability but also a strong and resilient mindset." 

Resilience

"I find myself recalling my freshman year in high school varsity soccer as an example of the moment my resilience was thoroughly tested. After a nail-biting game which proceeded to penalty kicks, my team lost, and I had begun to struggle with a few of the comments about my performance. They were questioning my nickname, "The Wall," proposing that should be changed, and some were criticizing the decision to allow an underclassman to participate in such a high-pressure situation.

After giving myself some time to reflect, I channeled my energy into self-improvement. I focused on penalty kicks, timing, and most importantly, my mentality, I responded to matches and pressure. I sought out challenging training environments, working with semi-pro and professional athletes, men’s teams, and a mental skills coach. A year later, I found myself in the exact same situation, a playoff match decided by penalty kicks. This time, win or lose, I knew I was in a much better place mentally. We ended up winning. The first shot was a goal, I dove right while my opponent went left. I saved the second shot, while the third and fourth resulted in goals. The fifth shot, however, I saved, securing our spot in the semifinals.

Consistent mental preparation is equally important, if not more important than, physical preparation. Goalkeepers must keep a cool head under extreme pressure and rely on mental toughness to provide an edge for both the goalkeeper and the team."

Leadership

"Goalkeepers are key in team leadership. Also, since I am the captain, I think I should help my team members understand that we shouldn’t judge our performance during play but instead focus on the mindset in which we play and on which we are working to improve. I try to do it by keeping clear communication during training and matches, with an upbeat approach, and encouragement among the team. I also work on improving my soccer IQ by watching footage of opposing teams, which allows me to provide knowledge that gives us an edge."

Confidence Under Pressure

“An athlete’s development and success is not linear; it typically involves ups and downs, plateaus, and periods of rapid improvement.” by Soccer Parenting. I wholeheartedly agree with this statement, as, sometimes, my confidence feels impenetrable, like a brick wall. I thrive on pressure . . . I welcome it, similar to the way Billie Jean King put it, which is, “Pressure is a privilege.” However, there also come those relatively rare moments when self-doubt creeps in, and in this context, I mainly fix my gaze on the hard and tiring work that must be done to rebuild my confidence. 

During major games, I remain confident and composed through strategies of calming my mind, practicing box breathing, and steering my attention toward thoughts I can control. For instance, in penalty kicks, I follow a set routine that I control, a series of movements I put together to keep my mind present, so as not to race through my brain with thoughts of outcomes and self-doubt. 

Training with Coach Matias has been crucial in building my confidence. The way Matias works favors not only the athlete but also the individual. Together, we discuss everything from nutrition and mentality to agility and, of course, goalkeeping techniques.

This mindset is about a few key aspects, such as breaking techniques down, step by step, analyze what is necessary for my improvement and growth, the what, the why, and the how. Only when an athlete really understands why they do a movement or why a choice is made are they able to truly believe in the process, particularly in moments which may have heightened pressure. This has allowed me to gain confidence in myself as well as an understanding and knowledge of the game that allows me to play through clear-mindedness and grace during critical moments."

Advice to Keepers

"My advice to goalkeepers is to stop worrying and start enjoying the journey. Development as mentioned earlier will not always going the way you may want (ie.be linear) and that’s okay. There will be moments of triumph and moments where you face challenges that test your resilience and mindset. Focus on controlling what you can, your preparation, your mentality, and your effort. Build routines that help you stay grounded under pressure, and never underestimate the importance of the mental aspects of the game.

Look for opportunities to train in a difficult environment, work with coaches like Coach Matias who push you for growth both as an athlete and as a person, and find people who believe in your potential. Above all, believe in yourself. Confidence builds from consistent hard work, reflection, and learning from wins and losses. You have this special dual role as a leader on the field as a goalkeeper. Take charge of it, and know that what you put into it today will help prepare you for whatever challenges will come your way tomorrow."

  
Coach Matias here—I wanted to add my thoughts because everything Aubrey shared is exactly what I emphasize in training. The mental side of goalkeeping is just as important as the physical. Resilience, leadership, and confidence under pressure don’t just happen—they’re built through experience, preparation, and the willingness to embrace challenges. This is why every session is designed to push goalkeepers beyond their comfort zone, helping them develop not only their technique but also the mindset needed to thrive.

At the end of the day, goalkeeping is more than just making saves—it’s about how you respond to setbacks, how you lead your team, and how you carry yourself under pressure. The goal is not just to be a great shot-stopper, but to be a complete goalkeeper, one who is mentally strong, adaptable, and unshaken by the highs and lows of the game. Those who commit to this process will find that the skills they build in goal extend far beyond the field.