Towson men’s lacrosse goalie Luke Downs began playing for the Freedom Lacrosse Program in Sykesville as a kindergartener.
Downs had no idea what was in store for him. His coaches chose him to play goalie because the team didn’t have one and no one else was willing to do it. Downs then played for Crabs Lacrosse Club, Bitmore Lacrosse and Rock Lacrosse. He trained with former Notre Dame goalie Scott Rodgers throughout middle school.
A two-time All-American, Rodgers was the Most Outstanding Player of the 2010 NCAA Championship and led the nation with a 6.14 goals-against average in 2009. He also played professionally for a decade. His dogged mentality and edge helped him become a valuable teacher.
“He had a lot of influence on me,” Downs said.
Downs went on to win an MIAA A Conference championship at Calvert Hall and now plays for Towson University, where he is putting together a breakout season as a junior. Tigers junior short-stick defensive midfielder Dan Reilly has played alongside Downs for years, watching him grow as a player and a person. Reilly, who was in the same class as his teammate at Calvert Hall, explains that Downs can switch his free-spirited nature to a stern, all-business attitude.
“Luke Downs has always been a great teammate ever since Calvert Hall. He always knows how to joke around with the guys and keep morale high,” Reilly said. “But when it’s time for the game, he is always locked in and you know he has your back to make a big save.”
Fast forward to April 1, 2024, when Downs won his third CAA Defensive Player of the Week award of the season. He leads the Coastal Athletic Association in goals-against average (8.91), ahead of Delaware’s Kevin Ellington (8.93), entering CAA Tournament play on May 2.
How did he grow his game?
“I watch a lot of lacrosse,” Downs said. “So, I try to take some things away from the best goalies — especially older ones — to see what I can implement in my game.”
But Downs’ game has more than grown throughout the years, especially at the collegiate level. He only played two games and 24 minutes as a true freshman, playing against Johns Hopkins and Duke. Downs flashed his talent against the Blue Devils in the Capitol Lacrosse Classic, making nine saves and picking up a ground ball.
Downs waited for his opportunity once again as a sophomore, playing three games and 120 minutes total, including a start at Richmond and relief appearances at UMBC and Denver. In his start against Richmond on Feb. 24, 2023, Downs stopped 12 shots in 22 opportunities. He posted a .526 save percentage for the season.
Towson senior short-stick defensive midfielder Ray Glass was also Downs’ teammate at Calvert Hall. Glass is known for his work ethic and determination, as he battles on the defensive end at 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds. Downs isn’t particularly big at 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds, either, but Glass notices the goalie’s effort and resolve.
“Luke Downs is the type of player that sneaks up on you,” Glass said. “He is a quiet worker, but his presence speaks a thousand words. Since I play defense, he is the man I trust in the cage because he takes pride in his role as a keeper. He has carried these attributes with him throughout highs and lows and directly correlates to his success on the field now.”
Towson is 11-3 overall and 7-0 in the CAA entering CAA Tournament play on May 2. The Tigers last earned the CAA’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament in 2019. Downs’ ultimate goal is simple as the end of the regular season approaches.
“Obviously win the CAA championship,” Downs said, “then go for the national championship.”
Photo Credit: John Bowers
Originally published April 17, 2024. Updated May 1, 2024