Jonathan "RJ" Goodman enters his second season as a graduate assistant coach and defensive coordinator for the Vermont State University Castleton men's lacrosse program in 2026–27.
Goodman brings six years of collegiate playing experience across the NCAA Division II and Division III levels, having competed at Randolph-Macon College, Mercyhurst University, and Limestone University. His extensive playing background, leadership experience, and understanding of defensive schemes have made him a valuable addition to the Spartans' coaching staff.
In his role at Castleton, Goodman oversees the Spartans' defensive unit, focusing on defensive strategy, player development, scouting, and game preparation. He also assists with recruiting and the day-to-day operations of the program.
Prior to beginning his coaching career, Goodman spent the 2024–25 season at Limestone University, where he played his final collegiate season. During his time with the Saints, Goodman took an active role in defensive preparation, assisting with scouting reports, game planning, and the development of defensive strategies. He was originally slated to join Limestone's coaching staff as a graduate assistant before the university's closure in 2025.
Before Limestone, Goodman competed at Mercyhurst University during the 2023–24 season while pursuing his graduate degree. He earned a Master of Science in Secondary Education, specializing in Pedagogy and Practice, in 2024.
Goodman began his collegiate career at Randolph-Macon College, where he was a four-year member of the Yellow Jackets men's lacrosse program from 2019 to 2023. He served as a team captain during his senior season in 2023 and was recognized as the recipient of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Sportsmanship Award that same year. Throughout his time at Randolph-Macon, Goodman also contributed to scouting and game preparation, developing an understanding of the strategic and analytical aspects of coaching.
A native of Mount Airy, Maryland, Goodman graduated from Randolph-Macon College in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business, concentrating in Finance, with minors in Accounting and Religious Studies.
Goodman's experience as a collegiate student-athlete, combined with his educational background and passion for teaching, provides a strong foundation for his work developing Castleton's student-athletes both on and off the field.
