Name: Nathan Peake

Sport: Lacrosse

Position: Goalie

Year: Freshman

Hometown: Downers Grove

High School: Downers Grove South

Lily Goodfellow: When did you start playing lacrosse? How did you become a goalie?

Nathan Peake: I started playing lacrosse in second grade. I started playing goalie because somebody said I would never be good at it and I wasn’t able to play anything else because of other injuries. So I naturally just filled the spot and rolled with it for all these years.

LG: How is the season going so far?

NP: So far it’s gone pretty good. We have a solid record going. We’ve played some close, hard games. But I think overall, from a team perspective, we are starting to mesh and find our identity. So, I think we’ve got a good momentum moving forward.

LG: What was your biggest personal accomplishment this season?

NP: Personally, it’s kind of falling into the ability that I know I can play in. When we went out east for a big trip, I played well. So, I think that was kind of a good boost because I hadn’t been at that point in a while at that level of competition. It was nice to go and find my rhythm and enjoy playing and playing well.

LG: What are the most shots you’ve ever blocked in a game?

NP: I think the most I’ve ever blocked in a game is 27 shots. 

LG: How do you continue working on your lacrosse skills in the off-season?

NP: Extra reps. There’s a lot of the guys from the team that want extra reps, so I just go out and take shots. Just staying in the best physical shape, so working out, running and doing all of that. And just finding opportunities to keep a stick in my hand and keep playing.

LG: What is the best advice you’ve ever received from a coach?

NP: For my position, it sounds kind of weird but to be dumber and not think so much. I am my [own] biggest critic and my biggest opponent is myself. So, to just not think and be free and play.

LG: What are some of your favorite hobbies?

NP: I like to work out. I spend a lot of time on that and a lot of time on school. It sounds weird but I like working. I enjoy caddying. I like being outside and camping. Just anything that keeps me active. 

LG: Who are some of your role models in lacrosse?

NP: I think my brother was one of them. He was a big proponent in getting me into the sport. And I think a lot of top elite athletes and elite goalies. I think goalies are in a unique position in that everyone is different, so I can pick certain things from everybody and try to implement that into my own game.

LG: What is your favorite class right now?

NP: Probably math. I enjoy math. I like the challenge of working through and problem solving. 

LG: What one word best describes you?

NP: Probably tenacious or hard-working.

LG: Thank you very much, Nathan.

NP: Thank you.