Notre Dame's Rodgers thriving in role he was groomed to play
Unlike Princeton’s Tyler Fiorito and Maryland’s Brian Phipps, Notre Dame senior goalkeeper Scott Rodgers has been playing that position since he took up lacrosse in the third grade.
"My dad kind of figured out that I wouldn’t be a great field player at the time because I was a little chubby kid back in the day," Rodgers recalled. "He just stuck me in the cage, and from there, it just kind of worked out."
It certainly has for Rodgers and the Fightin Irish, who are 17-1 since Rodgers became the starter at the beginning of the 2009 season. With Rodgers, Notre Dame has yet to surrender 10 goals to an opponent in a single game.
While taking great pains to spread credit around to his defense, Rodgers said the streak has some significance with him and his teammates.
"It’s one of those things that you keep in the back of your mind," he said. "It’s a good feeling when you haven’t given up double digits in goals, especially with all of the scoring going on around the country."
Rodgers’ name has been included in the conversation for the Tewaaraton Trophy, but Rodgers points out that a goalkeeper has never won the award in its nine-year history.
"It’s a great honor to be considered among that group of guys, but the reality is, a goalie has never won it," he said. "As far as being the best goalie in the country, I’m striving to be there. I don’t think I’m there yet."
