Student-Athlete Spotlight
#18 • Pat Dowling
(March, 2011)
Men's Lacrosse
Senior • Defense
Fairfield, Conn. • Fairfield-Ludlowe HS
Pat is a fourth-year standout for the Delaware men's lacrosse squad as a defender in 2011. A three-time All-Colonial Athletic Association performer, he anchors a defense that ranks among the top units in the CAA. In 2010, he led Delaware to a record of 10-7, the CAA title, and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Entering the 2011 season, he was Delaware's active career leader in games played (48), games started (48), groundballs (93), and caused turnovers (48) and is Delaware's all-time career leader for caused turnovers. He is a Lowe's Senior Class Award Top 20 finalist and was selected No. 34 overall by the Boston Cannons in the Major League Lacrosse Collegiate Draft in January, 2011.
What is your major/minor at Delaware?
I have a double major in history and Spanish.
What has been your best experience playing lacrosse at the University of Delaware so far?
My best experience playing lacrosse at Delaware was making it to the NCAA Final Four my freshman year. It was an unforgettable experience.
Do you have any future goals when it comes to lacrosse? If not, what are your overall future life goals?
After Delaware ,I am thinking about attending Law School. I've heard it's very hard and competitive, but it has always been a goal of mine. I would also like to travel in Europe and South America.
What has your experience been like at Delaware?
I have had a great time here at Delaware.The campus is beautiful, the students are fun, and I've enjoyed most of my classes. Lacrosse has been great. It is a competitive atmosphere, but everyone gets along really well. It is a big commitment, but it's definitely worth it.
Who was the biggest influence on your overall lacrosse career?
My brother (Jeff) has been my biggest influence in my lacrosse career. He introduced me to the sport when I was in third grade. I used to go to all his games in middle school, high school, and college. Growing up, we spent a lot of time having lax catches in our backyard.
What was the overall feel of the team after beating #4 ranked Hofstra (8-7 back on March 19?
Everyone was very excited after we beat Hofstra. We are confident and we are starting to find our identity. We are pumped about the upcoming games.
What were your feelings being about being selected in the Major League Lacrosse Collegiate Draft?
It felt great to be selected in the MLL draft. It is nice to be recognized and rewarded for the hard work I have put in since I've been at Delaware. I am excited to have a chance to play professional lacrosse.
What was the biggest reason in you mind Delaware was able to capture the CAA title last year?
We were able to win the conference tournament last year because we never gave up. We had a rough stretch in the season where we lost a few very close games. We were down, but we kept working and it ended with a conference championship.
What are you goals for the rest of the season?
This season, we want to win another conference championship and make a run in the NCAA tournament. We have to keep working hard.
