IL Indoor

Joe Marra

We’ve talked here before of chances because, after all, that’s what the National Lacrosse League is all about for these fellas hoping to be drafted. All they want is a chance to show what they can do. A chance to excel at a higher level of the game. And that’s exactly where Joe Marra comes in. He’s a field goalie so he’s got quite the transition to box lacrosse but if there’s anyone in this year’s draft pool who knows about making the most of his chances, it’s Marra. Case in point: After limited minutes his junior season at Fairfield, he came back his senior season to not only earn the starting job, he showed why he’s among the best goalies out there.

Joe Marra started all 14 games at Fairfield in 2010 and made a career-hgih 150 saves. (Photo: Fairfield University)

Perhaps that’s what led the MLL’s Chicago Machine to draft him with the 37th overall pick. And although he hasn’t appeared in an MLL game this summer, there’s no doubt he’ll be ready to roll when his name is called. How can we say that? Look, riding the pine is no fun. But those who find themselves there react in one of two ways: They either sit and sulk, or they work hard to get off that bench.

So when the spring of 2010 rolled around for the Stags, Marra apparently had chosen the later. He won the starting job and went on to post a goals-against average of 7.9, fifth-best in the nation. His save percentage of .597 ranked second only to Notre Dame’s Scott Rodgers, who happened to earn MVP honors of the 2010 NCAA final four.

Marra started all 14 games for Fairfield and made a career-best 150 saves, so 10 saves per outing isn’t too shabby at all. In a league where attitude can often say a lot more than the NCAA stats you posted, there’s no doubt Marra’s eager to prove he belongs. He did it once, so he knows he can do it again. Besides, it always helps when eagerness like that comes from a guy who’s willing to sacrifice his body for the sole purpose of stopping hard rubber balls. And that’s a lot more than any of us can say.

Joe Marra

Height: 6′ 2″
Weight: 220
Position: Goalie
From: Smithtown, New York
College: Fairfield University
MLL: Chicago Machine

What’s your greatest asset that will help you in the NLL? My size to take up space in the cage and my quickness to be in good position.
A few words to describe your game: I am a position style goalie who does not give shooters a lot of net to shoot for. I have quick hands and good athletic ability for a guy my size which allows me to get from pipe to pipe quickly and be in good position.
What accomplishment in college are you most proud of? I am most proud of being in the the Top 10 in almost every goalie statistical category my senior year after not starting my junior year at Fairfield.

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