Riverhead’s Katie Goodale winning championships, moving lacrosse forward

When Riverhead native Katie Goodale finished her illustrious lacrosse career at Syracuse University in 2024, she thought her playing days were over.

She didn’t get drafted into the professional leagues, so what else was there?

Then came an email from Team USA asking if she was interested in trying out and the rest is history. Goodale went from training with the best of the best to playing with them on the biggest stage. 

“I went into those camps with a different mindset than anything I’ve ever done,” Goodale said. “Just being named to a training camp roster with the best players in the world is a blessing that few can even have the opportunity to do. I never thought it was in the cards for me after college, so I just wanted to make the best of the time there.”

Goodale made the initial final roster and helped the USA win the Pan-American championship in June of 2025. The bruising defender made the roster again for the 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship in Tokyo, Japan and brought home the gold on August 2nd, defeating Canada, 16-4. She was one of only four defenders on the team. It was the United States’ fifth consecutive medal and 10th overall. 

“I really have no words for what I experienced in Japan,” Goodale said. “I’m just so grateful that I got to do it. I cherished every moment while I was there. My teammates and coaches were just amazing people, and it made the time playing there so special.”

The United States swept through the international field, winning every game by at least 12 goals. They scored an average of 20 goals a game and only allowed around five. It was sheer, utter dominance. 

While all the Team USA training was happening, Goodale entered her name into the professional Women’s Lacrosse League and was picked up by New York Charging, one of the four professional teams that work alongside the men’s Premier Lacrosse League. 

It wasn’t long before she was winning championships there, too. On March 9, New York Charging won the Women’s Lacrosse League Lexus Championship Series title after they defeated California Palms, 18-11.

“I felt right at home joining the Charging because they already had a bunch of Syracuse girls there,” Goodale said. “There’s also a bunch of Northwestern girls, so there’s a lot of familiarity. I’ve just become such close friends with everyone; it makes playing there that much more awesome.”

The playstyle is different from traditional field lacrosse. The professional league plays in a sixes format, which is the official discipline chosen by the 2028 Summer Olympics. There are only five field players and 1 goalie per side. It’s a much faster game with a lot of goals scored.

“They’ve done a really great job pushing women’s lacrosse forward and getting a lot of people to watch it,” Goodale said. “So now we only have four teams, but I’m sure in time it will continue to grow, and I look forward to growing with them.”

Between all the traveling and training for Team USA and New York Charging, Goodale still holds a full-time job like most of the professional lacrosse players. While she’s slinging the lacrosse ball around, she’s also a medical assistant in a dermatology office to build hours while she’s applying for Physician Assistant school. 

“What’s nice about lacrosse right now is that games are on the weekend,” Goodale said. “So it makes it a little easier to manage. It was a lot this summer. But I’m grateful for where I work. They’re really understanding about my commitment to lacrosse and care a lot about my lacrosse goals. Without a job like that, it would be hard to do, honestly.”

During the summer, Goodale was traveling to all parts of the United States just about every weekend while also sneaking in training sessions after work during the week.

“I give credit to everyone that’s a part of the professional lacrosse world,” Goodale said. “You’re working full time while also being an athlete full time all to try to move the sport we love forward. It’s just the sacrifices all of us are willing to make.”

With Team USA wrapped for the time being, Goodale is staying in shape and sharp.

“I’d love to keep playing professionally for years if given the opportunity,” Goodale said. “I want to keep growing the league. Any opportunity that comes my way in the lacrosse world, I’m open to exploring. I’m ready.”