Spotlight: Goalkeepers at FIERCE
- Sara Asbeck
- 22 hours ago
- 4 min read
Shining a light on the heroes between the posts! Check out this spotlight on four FIERCE goalkeepers: Carlee (G11), Payten (G07/08 Elite), Rachel (G09/10 Navy), Aubrey (G11 Elite).
1. What led you to playing goalkeeper?
I actually started as a field player, but when I was in U8 (2018) at CCSA (Clark County Soccer Association ) in Jeffersonville, IN. I realized I was the only one who wasn’t scared to jump in goal. Everyone else was hesitant or didn’t want to get hurt, but I thought, "Why not?" There was something about being the one to protect the goal that really clicked with me. I loved the challenge of being the last line of defense—if I made a save, it felt like I’d just won the game. It just felt natural, and from then on, I stuck with it.
When I was younger I didn’t like running.
What led me to being a goal keeper is that the main goal keeper on my old team did not want to continue being a goal keeper, and the coach asked who would step up and be in goal. No one else wanted to do it, so I said I would try it. At first, I didn’t think I would like it because the old keeper said everyone blamed her when our team lost. Once I got in goal though. I realized I loved it. While I still love being on field, I love the challenge of being the one denying people from scoring.
I saw my sister playing goalie and I wanted to be just like her.
2. What do you wish people knew about goalkeeping?
A lot of people think being a goalkeeper is easy, but it’s actually super demanding. It's not just about standing there waiting for the ball to come to you. You're constantly thinking—watching where the ball is, where the attackers are, and how to position yourself. We take a lot of hits—whether it's diving for the ball or getting knocked over. It’s tough, and the injuries can be brutal! But no one really sees that part. Also, if we make a mistake, everyone notices, but when we make a big save, it’s like, “Okay, that’s what you're supposed to do.” Goalkeeping is definitely about more than just being quick on your feet. It's about staying focused, dealing with pressure, and bouncing back when things don’t go perfectly.
Not only does being a goalie challenge you physically, it’s also a huge mental challenge.
I wish people knew that it is not as easy as it looks. You have to make split decisions and not be afraid to jump, dive, and place yourself in front of a person who is charging at you to try and make a goal. You learn leadership and how each position moves. I feel like the chess master, because I am in the back observing the whole game, trying to strategize the other teams movement. The goal keeper usually is the voice of the team because of this.
That goalies don’t just have to know and understand their position, but we also have to know the other positions really well to be able to communicate with the players on the field.
3. What’s your favorite part of being a goalkeeper?
My favorite part is definitely making those game-saving stops. There’s nothing better than that feeling when you deny a goal, especially when you know your team needed that save to stay in the game. It’s like you’re the hero for that moment, and that rush is amazing! Plus, I really like that I don’t have to run up and down the field all game like the other players. I get to focus on being sharp and ready for whatever comes my way. It’s a lot less tiring than running constantly, that’s for sure!
My favorite part is the adrenaline rush I get from knowing I’m the last line of defense, especially if I make a good save it kind of puts me on a high and boosts my confidence!
My favorite part of being a goal keeper is, after you make a save, hearing the crowd and your team cheering. This makes me feel confident and encourages me to continue to strive to be better than I was during the last time.
My favorite part about being a goal keeper is getting to make amazing saves and everyone cheering for me.
4. What off-the-field lessons has goalkeeping taught you?
Goalkeeping has taught me a ton about being a better person in general. For one, I’ve made some of my closest friends from playing. I’ve also learned a lot about responsibility. In goal, you can’t just blame others if something goes wrong—you have to own it. That’s helped me become more accountable in everything, not just soccer. Goalkeeping has also taught me to be calm under pressure, which has helped me be a better teammate, both in sports and in life. It’s all about supporting your team, keeping your head in the game, and knowing that mistakes don’t define you.
As a goalie I see things from a different perspective because I can see the whole field, so I’ve noticed in my daily life when I’m faced with a challenge I can see different ways to deal with it.
Being a goalkeeper has taught me to be more confident in myself and my abilities. It has help me realize I am stronger and smarter than I ever thought I could be.
Being a goalie has taught me how to stay calm under pressure and has also taught me better communication skills.