When the Lumen Christi boys soccer team took the field for the Bishop’s Cup, senior Joe Mietelka found himself in a position he’d never played before—goalkeeper. It was his first time in net, and though nerves ran high, something clicked. “It went really well,” Mietelka recalled. “It made me want to carry on.”

What began as a moment of necessity soon became second nature. Mietelka had told the coaching staff  over the summer that if no new goalie joined the team, he’d step up. When the time came, goalie coach Mike Hohn took him up on that offer, and Mietelka accepted without hesitation. “Coach Hohn taught me literally everything,” he said. “I had never played goalie before—at any level.”

Previously a center back and defensive player throughout club and high school, Mietelka faced a steep learning curve. He had to master positioning, reading plays, and the mental shift from defending the line to defending the net. His athleticism, coachability, and instinct for predicting the ball’s path helped him adjust quickly. Still, he admits, “I wish I had started this back in freshman year. Even one more year would’ve made a huge difference.”

Training was relentless—extra reps, footwork drills, and late practices were all part of his crash course. “There’s a lot more to it than just catching the ball,” Mietelka said. But the effort paid off. In one late-season match, he faced 27 shots on goal, saving roughly 23 to 25 of them. Teammates credited him for keeping the Titans in games that could have easily turned into blowouts.

The season wasn’t without adversity. Injuries to key players like Colin Woycehoski, Zack Friend, and Manny Mercado stretched the roster thin. At one point, Mietelka himself was hurt and briefly returned to defense, immediately strengthening the back line upon his return. Through it all, his teammates were steadfast in their support.

When asked about the most intimidating moments, Mietelka didn’t hesitate. “Penalty kicks. Always so much pressure,” he laughed. But even under fire, he found his calm. In his head, Foo Fighters’ “Everlong” would start to play like an epic movie soundtrack—his personal battle anthem as attackers charged in.

Despite a final record of 4–15, the Titans’ season was filled with resilience, effort, and heart. Mietelka’s unexpected rise to goalkeeper became a symbol of that spirit. His story is one of courage, adaptability, and the willingness to do what the team needs most.

“Joe’s growth this season was incredible,” said Coach Hohn. “He was willing to learn, willing to lead, and willing to put himself out there. That’s what being a Titan is all about.”