As a goalie, your mindset differs from that of your fellow teammates. You think about saving goals, not scoring them. You're built to stop balls and to throw your entire body onto the field, then get back up in the blink of an eye rather than run up and down the field. Your body and mindset are different because your position is very different, thus, not everyone can understand the struggles of a goalie. Can you relate to these ten struggles? If so, you're probably a goalie.
1. The sound of the ball hitting the cage haunts your nightmares.
You want to practice hitting the ball against the back of the cage while I'm standing on the other side of it working my butt off to *avoid* hearing that sound? You might as well punch me in the face repeatedly.
2. Why do people always stand a few feet away from me?
What do you mean? I don't smell anything. This is sad, but true. We have grown accustomed to our brutal goalie stench. For that, we truly apologize.
3. I do smell. Is that what everyone is always complaining about?
When the rare occasion occurs that we can smell ourselves, we must smell very, very badly. If it is strong enough for a goalie to recognize, then others should stay clear. You've been warned.
4. No, I don't just stand around the entire time.
There are those rotten people who have never played field hockey who say, "Hey you have the best position because you just have to stand there!" No, actually I don't just stand around the whole time. I'm in a constant squat position and do a ton of quick movements and dive on the ground. Have you even seen a field hockey game ever?
5. "I have a thigh gap," said no goalie ever.
Our butts and legs are very prominent (to say the least). Sure, we save aerial balls sometimes, so it's not like our arms are twigs either, but it's really all in the legs. We're standing in a squat position for the entirety of practice or a game and doing quick little movements that, trust me, makes your legs feel the burn. Forget about skinny jeans.
6. The most insane muscles on a goalie's body are her calves.
A goalie is told to stay on her toes, so while the entire lower half of her body is muscular, her calves are on a whole other level.
7. Do these pads make me look fat?
The answer is yes and especially yes when a goalie stands next to one of her fit teammates who is wearing a skirt and tank top. We are very aware that our goalie pads are not the most flattering of apparel. Fortunately, we didn't pick this position to look attractive while playing.
8. "I couldn't tell if you were a boy or girl while you were in your pads!" -- My Grandma
My only response to this is, "Thanks. Yep, I am still a girl." Again, goalies are aware that our pads are less than flattering, but you can't even tell that I'm a girl? I still play like a girl and I am very proud of that.
9. I swear that the pads are actually comfortable!
People always giggle when a goalie runs in her pads. Sure, it looks pretty silly. I'm sure we waddle a bit when we run, but people don't realize how quickly a goalie gets used to her pads. Eventually, it feels totally normal to wear them. When we run without our pads on we actually feel a bit naked-- and very aerodynamic!
10. The goalie bond exists.
It's hard to explain, but goalies just have a bond. This is not so much of a struggle, but it's certainly something that non-goalies may see and not understand. There's "team bonding" and then there is the "goalie bond" -- a whole new kind of friendship. Much of this bond comes from the fact that goalies understand these ten struggles and we battle through together.
