Goalkeeper leads blue-collar bunch

Carolyn Walser / senior photographer Senior Goalkeeper Amy Altig makes a save during preseason practice.

Hall of Fame NFL coach Vince Lombardi once said, "Individual commitment to a group effort — that is what makes a team work."

Commitment is something Amy Altig knows all about.

The senior goalkeeper’s commitment both on and off the field is just one reason why the Dukes have had so much success the past two seasons.

As JMU looks to win its third-straight conference championship, Altig knows that in her final season, she needs to be at the top of her game.

"There is just pure excitement for this season," Altig said. "It’s my last season, and I don’t want to settle for anything less than the best."

Altig is a three-year starter for the Dukes and gives the credit for her success to coach Kellie Young.

"Coach Young has made all the difference," Altig said. "She forced me to grow up on the field and mature off the field."

Young said, "Amy has matured so much since I started coaching her two and a half years ago. Her biggest improvement is in her mental game; she has learned that she can’t save everything that comes at her."

Altig may not save every shot, but she’s one of the best at what she does. Last season, she ranked No. 13 in the NCAA in goals against average and led the Colonial Athletic Association in that category.

"Amy has the potential to be the best goalie in the country this season," Young said. "If she can tweak a few parts of her game and really focus, she is going to help us win and win big."

Winning big this season means a lot of hard work and preparation.

"The only way we can be the best is by preparing both mentally and physically for each game," Altig said. "I basically can’t have any brain lapses.

"In order to prepare for each game, I need to make sure I am relaxed, and in the right mental state."

Being in the right mental state involves a certain amount of aggressiveness.

"When I get scored on, I mentally challenge my opponent to bring it right back," Altig said. "I know they aren’t going to score on me twice in a row."

While Altig admits dealing with pressure is one of the biggest challenges that comes with being the goalie, she knows she is not alone on the field.

"I know that there are 11 other people on the field doing their job, and if the ball gets all the way to me, then I have to step up and do my part," Altig said.

Stepping up has never been an issue with Altig.

"Amy has made the biggest commitment to the team and to the JMU lacrosse program," Young said. "She always puts the team before herself, and has been one of our great leaders."

Altig said, "Being the goalie comes with a lot of responsibilities, and I have learned a lot about leadership. I’ve learned that leadership can come from the smallest things, and it can come at any time in any place."

Freshman defender Brooke Rhodey is just one of the players who appreciate the leadership Altig brings to the team.

"Amy does a lot on and off the field for the team, and she is a good motivator," Rhodey said. "She has taught me where to be on the field, and she is constantly talking and encouraging all of us on the field during both games and at practice."

Behind Altig’s goalie mask is a player filled with confidence and the desire to better herself and her team. Her hard work and dedication has contributed to the Dukes’ success. JMU was unbreakable in the CAA in 2004, finishing a perfect 7-0.

"The biggest difference between JMU lacrosse and other programs is the unity we have," Altig said. "We are a family; we’re hard-working, blue-collar kids just working to prove that we’re the best. We just want to get out there and play."

"Get out there and play" isn’t the only thing the Dukes want to do this season — they want to get out there and win, and Amy Altig won’t be settling for anything less.