How LaCombe Evolved Into Standout

Matt LaCombe ’25 joined the Raiders in the fall of 2022 as a first-year looking to make an impact on the team. 

While some student-athletes see limited time in their first seasons, LaCombe, a goalkeeper from Manlius, N.Y., won the starting job in his first preseason, out-dueling the other goalies on the roster, which included the starter from the previous year.

LaCombe went on to start in all 13 games that season. Today, in his fourth and final season at Colgate, LaCombe is still between the pipes, having started in every game since his rookie year. 

In the process, he’s evolved into a top goalie, winning the 2024 Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Year, while helping Colgate to a strong start in 2025.

There are different reasons for LaCombe’s success. But one big factor is the experience he gained from starting every game in his first two seasons. Those were tough seasons for LaCombe and the team, the Raiders finishing with a 4-9 record in his rookie season and then 2-9 the season afterward. 

But through trial and error and guidance from his coaches, LaCombe learned what it took to be a successful goalkeeper.

“In my first season, I knew I’d have to grind my way through it and fight my way onto the field,” LaCombe said. “I didn’t expect to start every game. But I learned a lot. We played a really hard schedule, and getting thrown into the mix with anything is the best way to learn and get on your feet.”

One of the things he learned was how to become a better leader, which prepared him for being a co-captain today.

“Starting every game, getting that experience under my belt, which not every freshman gets to have, was really important,” he said. “It gave me the opportunity to lead from a younger age, and it taught me how to become a captain as well.”

LaCombe credits his coaches and teammates for helping him improve in all areas of his game. But as a first-year, one key figure in his development was Sean Collins ’22, who was a senior and the starting goalkeeper the year before LaCombe joined the Raiders.

“He was really supportive of me through the entire year, which was special,” LaCombe said. “He and I built a great relationship.”

LaCombe allowed 128 goals, fourth fewest in the nation and second fewest in the Patriot League in 2024, when he brought home the conference Goalkeeper of the Year award. He also averaged 11.64 saves per game after facing 128 shots, good for third in the conference and 26th in the country.

He said his teammates, who stood tall on defense throughout the season, made his job easier.

“Having a great defense in front of me is why I got the award,” he said.

Growing up in Manlius, a town about 40 minutes from campus, LaCombe wanted to enroll at the best possible school he could find. That meant an institution where he could play D-I lacrosse and receive a top education.

He was searching for a college when Colgate began to recruit him. As LaCombe weighed his options, he heard from local Colgate alumni who raved about the University and the lacrosse program’s strong alumni network. 

His college search occurred during the height of the COVID pandemic, when Colgate coaches used Zoom to meetings with prospective student-athletes. 

LaCombe said he was sold on becoming a Raider after meeting with men’s lacrosse head coach Matt Karweck.

“Even over Zoom, you could tell how passionate Karweck was about the program and his players,” LaCombe said. “He cared about finding the right individuals as well as the right players. He reaches out to parents to learn more about players, which is unique.”

LaCombe, an economics major, is two months away from graduation. He hopes to work in the financial sector in New York City after he earns his degree. In the classroom, he’s taken courses in a variety of subjects while learning the ins and outs of economics. 

He’s also a member of the Colgate Investment Group, a club where students learn about the stock market by managing a small portion of the University’s endowment. 

Midway through the season, the Raiders have a 5-4 record and were ranked No. 18 and 20 in two national polls as of March 19. LaCombe is enjoying his best season with Colgate, and he’s eager to finish his career on a strong note.

“I’m very grateful to be part of this team,” he said. “I’m really excited about where we are going this year. I’ve had the best experience I could ask for.”