Goalie, Brian Phipps, on overcoming the odds & coming back home, to the Chesapeake Bayhawks.

What training tips/advice, would you give a goaltender to improve their reaction time?

- I always work with my younger goalies and myself on the colored ball drill. Have a coach/player shoot on your with different colored balls and you have to call out the color as quick as you can while making the save.

How long have you been playing lacrosse?

-I have grown up in a lacrosse family and been playing ever since I can remember. Probably around 5 years old. My grandfather, dad, and brother all played lacrosse at the University of Maryland, and my mom played 3 sports in college, including lacrosse.

What made you become a goaltender?

-Growing up with my older brother who played attack, I kind of got thrown in there at a young age. My mom would only let them use tennis balls though when I was younger.

Did you play a lot of other positions for a while, before choosing?

-I grew up playing attack and goalie. I would split each half. I think this helped me with my lacrosse IQ and stick skills. I recommend this for all young goalies growing up.

What is your current stick set up (head, stick, mesh, tape placement, etc.)

-I currently use a nemesis and the Hero Mesh from East Coast Dyes. My man Cam from @goaliestrings strings me up the best no rebound pockets in the business. Excited to see what they have for me this spring!

What makes a "good goalie", become "great", in your opinion?

-Doing all 3 parts of a goalie extremely well. Saving the ball, Clearing the ball, talking to your defense. Need to be able to do all 3.

What obstacles did you have to overcome, to get where you are today?

-I tore my ACL twice. Once in high school and once in college. Missing so much time, made me miss the sport but it helped me understand the game from talking with my coaches more on the sidelines.

Tell us something about Brian Phipps, that people may be surprised to know?

-My wife is the better athlete in the family. Caitlyn McFadden Phipps, she won the Tewaarton at Maryland and several National Championships as a player and coach at Maryland. She always won 2 gold medals for team USA.

We are happy to see you back here in Maryland!

How did you feel when you were drafted, back to the Bayhawks?

-It was awesome to be drafted by my home team. I have always played close to my family and they are big supporters. It is nice to be able to have them attend all my home games again.

How do you feel recruiting has changed, from when you were recruited to Maryland, to now?

-It has changed dramatically. I didn't get recruited by Maryland until July 1st going into my senior year, and then I graduated as the #1 goalie recruit in the country. I guess I was a late bloomer so don't give up hope if you don't commit until your senior year.

-Callahans or Park Street? - Steele Stanwick, Ohio Machine Attackman

-Callahans was a nice suprise. Look forward to heading back there this summer after our game in Ohio.

Annapolis or College Park?- Drew Snyder, Denver Outlaws Midfielder

-Born and raised in Annapolis. Will always be home but luckily College Park is a short drive away when I miss it.

Looking forward to watching Brian and the rest of our Chesapeake Bayhawks have a successful season!