UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa- In the third grade, now redshirt sophomore Josh Levine, stood in-between the pipes for the first time not knowing very much about the position he was put in.
"I was a goalkeeper by accident," said Levine. "One of my good friends got hurt and our other friend didn't want to play goalie anymore. So the coach said, 'we need a goalie to play half the game' and I guess he thought I was tall and athletic. Ever since then I've been a goalkeeper."
Levine arrived at Penn State in 2016 as a freshman, but never saw game time as a redshirt. During the 2017 season, he saw some playing time, but officially earned his spot in the goal midseason last year.
"I think the coaches (last year led by then-head coach Bob Warming) did an incredible job of preparing for those moments," said Levine about the goaltender swap last year. "We lived with a next man up mentality and I think because of our coaching staff and the other guys on the team, I was able to come in, feel confident and prepared. I think all of that has directed translated into this year."
In 2017, Levine appeared in nine games for the Nittany Lions, eight of them being starts. He had the team-best of 57 saves during his time between the pipes last year and earned All-Big Ten Tournament Team honors.
"We have a lot of confidence in Josh and what you learn about him is that is focus and desire to improve always," said first year head coach Jeff Cook. "It's really rewarding as a coach, to see someone who puts in that level of commitment and dedication, to see that pay off in improved performance."
Levine started in the first four games of the 2018 season and is 1-3 in goal with one shutout. In Friday's game against the University of Rhode Island, Levine finished with five saves and only allowed one goal.
"I've put up some big saves against big teams and I've earned accolades for it," said Levine. "Now it's not as much of proving yourself, but how can I help the team. How can I help the guys around me grind out wins? I hope I give confidence to my own defenders."
Levine emphasized that although he is starting, there is much to improve on. Some of them being to make the players around him better and more confident.
"When guys trust the person that is behind them," said Levine. "They have the confidence to go forward and to really play their positions well."
Coach Cook echoed the type leader that Levine is while he is in the goal and the communication he has with the defenders in front of him.
Levine looks to continue his leadership and improve his record in goal as he gains more experience between the pipes in 2018. The Nittany Lions will travel to Chester, Pa. on Friday, Sept. 7 to take on Villanova at Talen Energy Stadium at 8 p.m.