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Plantation Today
By the People, for the People
From Air Force to UVA: Jake Marek's Rise to Virginia's Starting Goalie
Marek's unorthodox path to becoming the Cavaliers' starting goaltender includes stints at Air Force and pursuing a master's in nursing.
Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:22pm
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A cubist interpretation of a Virginia lacrosse goalie's heroic save, capturing the intensity and athleticism of the moment.Plantation TodayJake Marek, a former Air Force lacrosse player, is now the starting goalie for the University of Virginia men's lacrosse team while also pursuing a master's degree in nursing. Marek faced challenges early in his career, including struggling academically and not seeing playing time at Air Force. However, he persevered, earned the starting job, and helped lead the Cavaliers to key wins over top-ranked opponents this season.
Why it matters
Marek's story highlights the dedication and determination required to excel at the highest levels of college athletics while also pursuing a demanding academic program. His journey showcases the challenges student-athletes can face and the importance of perseverance in achieving one's goals.
The details
Marek, a native of Plantation, Florida, initially attended the Air Force Academy, where he received the final roster spot after a goalie decommitted. Despite being on the roster, Marek struggled academically and saw no playing time in his first two seasons. In his junior year, Marek felt he was capable of being the starter, but the coaching staff continued to rotate other goalies. Marek considered quitting lacrosse to focus on academics, but his teammates convinced him to give it one more week. Marek then earned the starting job and helped Air Force claim an ASUN tournament title and earn their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2017.
- Marek's day begins at 4:45 a.m. with a 10-12-hour shift at the UVA Hospital.
- Marek received the final roster spot at the Air Force Academy after a goalie decommitted from the program.
- In his first two seasons at Air Force, Marek saw no playing time.
- In his junior year at Air Force, Marek felt he was capable of being the starter but did not receive the call-up in his first few games.
- Marek helped lead Air Force to an ASUN tournament title and their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2017.
The players
Jake Marek
A former Air Force lacrosse player who is now the starting goalie for the University of Virginia men's lacrosse team while also pursuing a master's degree in nursing.
Lars Tiffany
The head coach of the University of Virginia men's lacrosse team, who offered Marek a walk-on spot after a meeting at Bodo's Bagels.
What they’re saying
“My GPA wasn't the most competitive for getting into nursing school. I was just like, Man, I'm wasting all this time on lacrosse, and I'm not really getting anything out of it.”
— Jake Marek
“One week, the captains came up to me, and they're like, don't quit. We have been vouching for you the entire year for you to be the starter. You are the best goalie, give it one more week.”
— Jake Marek
“You should never give up. And if you do have those thoughts of giving up, go talk to your leadership, go talk to your captains, go talk to whoever you trust and have them talk you out of it because you never know… Don't ever quit if it's your dream.”
— Jake Marek
“Coming in, I was really nervous because I've never gone up against this competition, no one knows who I am, and then they were the most welcoming people I think I've ever met in my life.”
— Jake Marek
“He's proven he can embrace the challenge of the highest level of lacrosse.”
— Lars Tiffany, Head Coach, University of Virginia Men's Lacrosse
What’s next
Marek will continue to balance his demanding academic and athletic responsibilities as he helps lead the Virginia Cavaliers towards a potential NCAA Tournament berth.
The takeaway
Marek's story demonstrates the power of perseverance and the ability to overcome adversity. His journey from Air Force to UVA, while also pursuing a master's degree in nursing, serves as an inspiration for student-athletes who are striving to excel both on the field and in the classroom.
