Maya Naimoli’s composure marks seamless transition to SU’s 1st-choice GK
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Maya Naimoli’s preseason was full of uncertainty.
She didn’t know if she’d become Syracuse’s starting goalkeeper. She didn’t know how long it’d take to adjust to a new defense. She was also unsure how quickly she’d acclimate to the faster pace of play at a Power Four school.
And even after earning the starting spot, she knows it’s not permanent.
“I need to keep working and need to keep earning my position,” Naimoli said. “This is my fourth year of college soccer. I have experience prior, and I’ve worked really hard to make it back into a Power Four program.”
Through two games, Naimoli’s experience has given SU (1-0-1, 0-0-0 Atlantic Coast) a steady defensive presence following Shea Vanderbosch’s four years of success in net. The Youngstown State transfer has made six saves and allowed one goal through two games. Naimoli saved four shots in the Orange’s scoreless draw with Villanova Thursday, including a pair of clutch stops in the final five minutes, before making two more in a win over Holy Cross Sunday.
Naimoli moved to Syracuse after two seasons at Youngstown State, where she started 36 games and tallied 196 saves. She entered the transfer portal this spring looking to return to a Power Four program after previously redshirting at Ohio State.
Her commitment gave Syracuse something it lacked after Vanderbosch graduated: experience.
Vanderbosch finished her career as SU’s all-time saves leader (380). She also led the ACC in total saves and saves per game from 2023-25. But Naimoli isn’t trying to replicate Vanderbosch’s career.
“I have a lot of confidence in myself as a player,” Naimoli said. “All I could control was coming in and doing what I do best and focusing on that itself.”
Against Villanova, Naimoli faced her most pressure late. With under 30 seconds remaining, Wildcats forward Dez Zapata received a cross near the 6-yard box with a virtually open net in front of her. Naimoli shifted across the goal and stuck out her left leg, keeping Syracuse’s season-opening shutout intact. Five minutes earlier, she made another difficult one-on-one save after coming off her line.
“With new personnel in front of me and getting comfortable playing with people, I think I’ve done well keeping my composure and confidence,” Naimoli said.
Maya Naimoli collects a ball in Syracuse’s win over Holy Cross on Aug. 16. Naimoli transferred to SU from Youngstown State this offseason with the goal of reestablishing herself as a Power Four starter. Courtesy of SU Athletics
For Naimoli, that composure has been especially important while adjusting to a new backline, as she’s spent just a few months with Syracuse’s defenders. Vanderbosch, in contrast, spent four seasons learning the tendencies of SU’s defense. Rather than trying to immediately recreate that familiarity, Naimoli has leaned on communication and prevention.
“A big aspect of goalkeeping, aside from just making the save, is being as preventative as possible,” Naimoli said. “How can I prevent a shot from coming at me? How can I help my players get in the right position that maybe they aren’t seeing, so the ball doesn’t even come in for that shot?”
That was evident against Holy Cross, when Syracuse’s defense limited the Crusaders to three shots on goal. Naimoli was rarely forced into difficult saves but remained involved with crosses, set pieces and organizing the backline. The role requires more than reacting to shots.
“It’s such a sport within a sport,” Naimoli said.
Goalkeeper coach Michele Barletta — who coached Naimoli at Youngstown State — has aided Naimoli’s transition to SU.
Barletta arrived at Youngstown State during Naimoli’s sophomore season, giving the two over a year of experience together before Barletta joined Syracuse. When she entered the portal, Naimoli said finding the right goalkeeper coach was a major priority. She had conversations with several Power Four programs, but Barletta’s presence made the Orange stand out.
Barletta had already seen Naimoli at her best and worst. He knew her work rate, how she responded to pressure and what she needed to improve. At Youngstown State, he saw her face several Power Four opponents, including Indiana, Texas Tech, Missouri and Michigan.
During the preseason, he challenged all four Syracuse goalkeepers through detailed sessions focused on shot-stopping, distribution, crosses and one-on-one situations.
“He does a really good job of session planning and making sure to isolate not only the big areas of the game but also the little nitpicking areas,” Naimoli said.
SU’s goalie competition included returning goalkeeper Lilly Heaslet, freshman Lindsay Parker and Houston transfer Maggie Manning. Naimoli won the job, but she doesn’t view the position as settled. That mentality fits how she got to Syracuse.
“I knew I could potentially regret leaving Youngstown, but I knew for a fact I would regret not trying to go back into Power Four because I know the kind of player I am,” Naimoli said. “I knew I had to bet on myself.”
Two games into her bet, Naimoli has given Syracuse exactly what it needed: stability in goal. And through two games, it’s been enough to keep SU unbeaten.
