A Second Wave of PA Goalies to Watch

Pennsylvania (The Philadelphia Area) is a historical birthplace for generations of elite goalkeepers across the North American continent. There is a distinguished "PHLow" to match the native gatekeeping of the pipes. The foundation dates back to when PA first kept competitive records of State Champions as chosen by the coaches from 1965-1968:   The Hill School 1965; Lower Merion (1966 & 1967); Haverford School (1968). Avery F. Blake Memorial Trophy winners signified the State Champions from 1969-1999. School totals as follows: Lower Merion five ('69, '77, '79, '84, '99); Penn Charter five ('74-'76, '83, '89); Episcopal Academy four ('87, '91, '95-'96); Harriton three ('70-'72); Springfield-Delco three ('78, '82, '92); Ridley three ('94, '97, '98); Haverford School two ('80 & '85); Germantown Academy two ('90 & '93); Henderson one ('73); Abington one ('81); Hill School one ('86); West Chester East one ('88).   The ESPLA & Keystone Cup Champions were corresponding teams every year from 2000-2008 with the Southeastern PA representative as the title holder(s). Program totals as follows: Ridley three ('01-'03); Haverford School two ('00 & '05); LaSalle two ('04 & '08 *National Champions*); Malvern Prep one ('06); Downingtown East one ('07).   The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association took over in 2009, officially sanctioning the sport. This change spurred growth for mostly the Public & select Catholic Schools that meet the criteria standards. The requirements include academic & curricular requirements, physical examinations, & age restrictions. The PIAA held open classification tournaments from 2009-2016 where the following teams were named State Champs: Conestoga three (2010-2012); LaSalle two ('09 & '13); Penncrest one ('14); Radnor one ('15); Springfield-Delco one ('16).   The PIAA created two separate classifications (AA & AAA) in 2017. The State Championship winners to date include: *Radnor four (AAA '21 - AAA '24)*; Bishop Shanahan two (AA '18 & AA '19); Marple Newtown two (AA '23 & AA '24); Avon Grove one (AAA '17); Springfield-Delco one (AA '17); Manheim Township one (AAA '18) LaSalle one (AAA '19); Allentown Central Catholic one (AA '21); Mars one (AA '22). *Radnor is technically AA sizewise but has traditionally competed at AAA*.   The Inter-Academic Athletic League would no longer compete against PIAA programs in post-season play starting in 2010. This severely limited the competition to win a "State Championship", capping a 45-year streak where there would only be 1 team left standing at the end! The Inter-Ac League is still considered one of the most challenging leagues in the Country. They have since begun competing in the Privately held Inter-Ac Invitational amongst other National Showcase Tournaments to conclude their season(s) with postseason & Championship play. The Inter-Ac has advanced gameplay following the NCAA guideline rules while the PIAA teams still play NHSL rules without a shot clock. It has been a rare instance that a PIAA team bests an Inter-Ac team within the last 15 years or so but it still happens on occasion.   Inter-Ac Invitational Champions (2010-2024): Haverford School - eight ('10, '11 *Undefeated National Champions*, '13, '15 *Undefeated National Champions*, '16, '17, '23, '24); Malvern Prep - five ('14, '18, '19, '21, '22); Episcopal one ('12).   State Championship Totals: *Excluding the Inter-Ac (2010-2024) for Postseason play*   Lower Merion - seven; Ridley - six; Haverford - five; Springfield-Delco - five; LaSalle - five; Radnor - five; Penn Charter - four; Episcopal Academy - four; Harriton - three; Conestoga - three; Hill School - two; Germantown Academy - two; Bishop Shanahan - two; Marple Newtown - two; Henderson - one; Abington - one; West Chester East - one; Malvern Prep - one; Downingtown East - one; Penncrest - one; Avon Grove - one; Manheim Township - one; Allentown Central Catholic - one; Mars - one   Many of the goalies listed come from these historically recognized programs & will have the opportunity to showcase their abilities on the Varsity stage & beyond Netnation...    [player_tooltip player_id='33248' first='Carson' last='Meredith'] is a brave & valiant goalkeeper who earned valuable minutes last year for the Rams. He seamlessly integrated into a starting role as a freshman, filling in for an older goalie who was injured but slated to play. Carson provided strong & steady netminding while showcasing his skills in a year while most would have to go through the unknown dark as a backup option. He has proved that he can win games against good competition & will compete against the nation's best! Meredith is a spirited goalie who can get from pipe to pipe with charged movement. He has a large frame & the natural ability to move with quickness & control. Carson matches stick across the top & fights to get low. He can turn a bad shot on the run into transition in his team's favor with a clean save, ball control, & a nice outlet down the field. Meredith made 14 starts & saved 55% of the shots he faced in 2024. He will continue to improve as a goalie who might split time or learn from the side but he has the potential to take over games, helping his team win when it matters!     [player_tooltip player_id='82283' first='Liam' last='Atkins'] is an explosive goalie who is physically a beast! He impresses in the weight room & is considered a homerun mentally. Liam was named a captain this year as a junior, something that has not been done at The Hill School in about twenty years. He has an awesome presence in the goal & makes shooters uncomfortable. Atkins has the unique ability to stay set & not react before the ball comes out of the shooter's stick. He is patient while applying all the tools he has to make the save. Liam does not get rattled & you can bank on his consistent play as he stays locked in. He throws a nice ball in the clear with an accurate outlet, pushing transition. Atkins displays a routine of tournament takeovers. He will help the Hill push towards their best play at the end of the season's journey. A consensus 4-star prospect. Verbally committed to Georgetown.     Jesse Holt was named Honorable Mention All Ches-Mont in 2024. He was a Varsity starter as a freshman & made 137 saves (54%) on the season. Jesse has incredible focus & attention to detail. He is one of the most imaginative goalies, using third-eye-like instincts to track the ball. Holt is a tall lefty who uses solid fundamentals & clean stickwork to his benefit. He surprises shooters with an innate ability to catch the ball clean off of a save. Jesse has an efficient catcher's hop that helps him drive the ball downfield to the open man in the clear. He can get the party started in transition & he plays with passion! Holt is a dangerous goalie because he can assist with offensive production throughout the game. He is the last line of defense in goal & after a save, he is the first player to generate offense when he has the ball. Jesse communicates with his defense & can strategize their play into a systematic approach. He has breakout potential over the next couple of years & might look to continue his play in the NCAA or International field.     Roman Ippoldo is projected to be the starting goalie at LaSalle for the next three seasons as he made the Varsity cut as a freshman. He is in class, meetings, workouts, locker rooms, & on the field with longstanding Pro/USA coaches defensively. Roman is younger but has a higher athletic stock with two siblings who play Lacrosse in college currently. He had the opportunity to shadow an All-State goalie his first year in High School & will look to speed up the pace for the Explorers in 2025 a la "Scoop" Veltman. Ippoldo is dialed in with concentration & technique form. He sees the ball into his stick & is flexible enough to make all the different types of saves. Roman has the potential to build his empire by winning three straight & dominating the PIAA. He looks to be the missing ingredient in & out of the cage that will help propel LaSalle back to the top. Ippoldo has been shown the training at LU_Horsham to be like the rose that grew from concrete. The "freer of horses" can be dependable at the end to run without jockeying or coaching deep into June!     [player_tooltip player_id='30952' first='Charlie' last='Kraus'] put up 275 saves good for 61% at Old Penn Charter in 2024. He has the makings to be a four-year starter with the Quakers in Philadelphia after a fabulous freshman year. Charlie is used to seeing a lot of rubber & getting big in the cage. He recorded double-digit save performances against Malvern, Haverford, & Episcopal last season. Kraus is a fearless goalkeeper with a substantial lefty frame & quick hands! He can make plays with his feet outside of the crease & shows improved stickwork. Charlie sees the ball into his stick very well & this helps him control rebounds. He is poised & patient with his break allowing his teammates to space out properly. Kraus can steal possessions off of the end line & routinely help clear the ball to a goal. He is at his best when he squares up to the shooter. Charlie makes flashy saves by stuffing the backside feed with tenacity. He has more than a handful of slated chances to move the needle & beat the traditional league powers before he is scooped up by an NCAA program!     [player_tooltip player_id='123639' first='Moe' last='Sobel'] is a primetime goalie who can force offenses to come to a halt when he's in the pipes. He has an uncanny ability to cease production from the opposition's offensive game plan while making the customary save look easy. Moe has been continuously improving under Doc's guidance (one of the game's all-time best keepers). He is amidst the tallest goalies at his level & uses his size to an advantage by taking away space within the 6x6 (surface area). Sobel reacts well to shots in tight & will secure most rebounds for a clear. He has a golden opportunity to light the torch with the Blue Devils rather than carry one at a traditional power within the Private School League. Moe has the potential to be the first goalie at SCHA to earn a (W) vs Malvern &/or Haverford. If he gets a signature win against either of these programs over the next 3 years I wouldn't be surprised if he collects a shoe box full of scholarship letters from most of the major D1 lacrosse program's head coaches & associates. Moe has the potential to be on a pro path along with an International avenue given his ties to the Netnation development program.     Michael Johnson earned 1st Team All-Central League in 2024. He was a starting goalie for the Pioneers since his sophomore season. Michael earned 2nd Team All-Central League in 2023. He dictates shooters to place the ball to a favorable save. Johnson has a solid foundation of footwork & remains balanced. He has the hand speed to punch across his face & make the offside high save look easy. Michael drives his top hand to the ball with a fighting force. He can control rebounds & make plays with the ball in his stick! Johnson is durable in the crease & consistently makes saves at all three levels with an acrobatic flair. He has the opportunity to redirect Conestoga in the Central League & be victorious. Michael is a mainstay with a well-rounded game. If he evolves his game by turning weaknesses into strengths, Johnson will have a probable path to play early & often at the next level. Verbally committed to Hobart.     Jackson Kennedy earned 1st Team All-Central League in 2024. He first gained starting Varsity experience as a sophomore. Jackson helped the Cougars to a State Championship Runner-Up finish in 2023. He is a fluid athlete in & out of the goal, showcasing the ability to rob attackmen. Kennedy steps through the ball on the save & can bomb it in the clear adding a special element to his game. He sets up his teammates with excellent lead passes like a Quarterback on the field & can easily break a 10-man ride with his accuracy. Jackson brings a calming presence as a goalie & he rarely shows any wasted movements. He is tall & uses his height to stay high on shots without any dipping. Kennedy can snap low & change levels to make stops by his feet. He is great at holding his ground & not guessing. A consensus 3-star prospect who will have the option to continue a legacy of Cougar goalies who shine in college. Signed to play at Towson.     [player_tooltip player_id='40418' first='Colin' last='Decker'] is forecasted to gain control of the goalkeeping duties for the Haverford School this upcoming season & remain status quo. He is a strapping goalie with a strong work ethic. Colin is familiar with playing against some of the game's best players as he's conditioned by school practice, club experience, & select summer all-star events. Decker tracks the ball with fine vision & secures the ball high or low often preventing rebounds. He will hold the pipe on the nearside & use a wide-based stance on a medium arc. Colin is quick on his feet & can make plays outside of the crease. He brings a highly regarded studious approach to controlling the defense & will be active when the ball hits the ground. Decker can organize a slide plus extra help to send defenders to put the ball on the ground & get after it. Under the right circumstances, he could have the ability to play for a Championship with the Fords & advance his ritual play in the NCAA. A consensus 3-star prospect. Verbally committed to Williams.     Keegan Dunn earned 2nd Team All-Catholic for St. Joe's in 2024. He recorded 212 saves last season as a junior. Keegan posted more than 600 career saves so far for the Hawks. He is a three-year varsity starter & twice named the recipient of the Pat Byrnes Award. Dunn helped backbone a team that notched quality program wins over Garnet Valley, Central Bucks East, & Marple Newtown (AA State Champs). He brings a big presence to the crease & moves light on his feet holding his line. Keegan reacts positively to various shots & plays on multiple arcs throughout the game. He is disciplined with his stick to take away the high shot & he has a sense of urgency to get down to the low shots as well. Dunn is hard to beat straight up because he takes away what shooters want. He is often shading the backside with his body & forcing the shot back to his stick side. Keegan is a nice prospect who can stare down the barrel to catch a step-down or make a flurry of saves in tight. He has good stickwork & is an effective playmaker in the clear. Dunn is a steady goalie who can stay balanced, step through the ball, & use his quick hands to catch clean saves. He is a sleeper pick as a big-game goalie who could find himself competing at the next level with an NCAA program!

Pennsylvania (The Philadelphia Area) is a historical birthplace for generations of elite goalkeepers across the North American continent. There is a distinguished "PHLow" to match the native gatekeeping of the pipes. The foundation dates back to when PA first kept competitive records of State Champions as chosen by the coaches from 1965-1968: