History came from the crease on April 9th as Calvary goalie Jackson Thompson did something never seen before.
Goals by goalies are rare in lacrosse. At Calvary Day, it never happened until April 9th: Jackson Thompson made program history with the first.
While this moment was one Calvary teammates and fans alike cherished, the preparation leading up to it is just as important.
“I’ve been playing Calvary lacrosse for 5 years,” Thompson said. “This year was my year where I took a huge step forward.”
Calvary Day goalie Jackson Thompson defends the net during a game this season. Thompson scored the first goalie goal in program history on April 9. (Courtesy of Calvary Day School Athletic Department)
Thompson had been a dark horse in Calvary lacrosse leading up to this year. Instead of complaining about a lack of playing time, he took another approach, learning from his upperclassmen.
“He had a really good goalie in front of him,” third-year head coach Phillip Yount commented. “Caleb Jarvis was one of the best goalies in Calvary history. So Jackson got to sit back and listen, and he is reaping what he sowed.”
Thompson attributed much of his success to being able to watch Jarvis play, learning technique and situational awareness.
“Watching Caleb (Jarvis) helped a lot,” Jackson said. “I was able to watch how he communicated and how he handled pressure, and I think that’s a huge factor in being where I am this year.”
Stepping into a starting role brings pressure, especially with young players watching. They watch how others handle tough situations, modeling their composure in-game.
For Thompson, this was a role he embraced and elevated.
“He’s a perfect goalie and player. Cool, calm, collected, doesn’t get too hot, doesn’t get too cold,” Yount said, praising his maturity in tough circumstances. “He’s a leader.”
“I just try to be a leader by building confidence in the young guys. I know how important striking a balance between confidence and being calm is”, Thompson added.
Thompson’s patience didn’t just shape him into the player he is today, it prepared him for his historic moment. He fired a shot into the net, sparking an eruption from teammates and coaches who swarmed him with cheers.
Calvary Day players celebrate with goalie Jackson Thompson after his historic goal during a game this season. (Courtesy of Calvary Day School Athletic Department)
Thompson noted the goal was a team effort, and he couldn’t have done it without his brothers.
“It felt amazing to be a part of history, but what felt even better is that I had my teammates there right by my side” Thompson noted. “I knew I couldn’t have done it without my teammates.”
His team-first attitude was on display in the Cavaliers’ 18-0 victory over John Paul II.
“Every single guy in our locker room loves the kid”, Yount said. “So it was awesome to see that the whole team erupted. We had almost gotten a sideline penalty for the celebration, but it was awesome to see.”
Any penalty in celebration of a historic moment was a trade-off Yount and the players agreed was worth it.
As the Cavs near the end of an impressive regular season, posting an 11-4 record so far, Yount believes Thompson will be instrumental in their playoff push.
“I think the defenders can rely on Jackson. If they get beat, they know that he will be there to back them up with a save”, Yount remarked. “That trust and chemistry is important, especially as we go up against high-level competition come playoff time.”
For Jackson Thompson, the goal was not just history, it was the result of years of selflessness and preparation. As Calvary heads toward the postseason, his mindset could make all the difference.
Calvary Day (13-4) opens the GHSA boys lacrosse Division 2 playoffs tonight at Richmond Hill (12-5), 6 p.m., at Richmond Hill High School.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Calvary Day School Atheltics Department
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