Many know John Adams Dowdy for his athletic career through Maclay’s lacrosse team, but now his lacrosse will be taken to the next level. On Friday, Dec. 10, the last day before midterm exams, the Webster Gym was packed with students, faculty and loved ones waiting to congratulate Dowdy on his next step. At 10:30 a.m., Dowdy signed to play at the collegiate level for Flagler College.
Dowdy’s lacrosse journey began at Chiles High School as a freshman before his return to Maclay his sophomore year. According to MaxPreps, he was ranked number four in Florida and number 10 nationally during his sophomore year. For his sophomore and junior seasons, he won over half the face-offs he was involved in.
“When he came here as a sophomore he was competing with seniors for a starting spot,” Coach Justin VanTassell said. “By the end of that year, pretty much every time he took the field our players were saying ‘JAD’s insane. JAD’s insane.’ At that point he just started dominating the lacrosse field.”
Flagler is a Division II lacrosse school located in St. Augustine, Florida. Dowdy is not the only Maclay student who has committed to Flagler for lacrosse. Last year, graduate Stone Foster signed and committed to Flagler and is now a freshman on the team.
“JAD is a leader on and off the field,” junior teammate Wyatt Frazee said. “He works to be the best in every aspect of the sport. Flagler is lucky to have him.”
Dowdy still has an upcoming season for Maclay in the spring. This will be his last season at Maclay before he goes on to play for Flagler in the 2023 season. Flagler’s first game of the season for the 2022 season is Feb. 4 against Embry-Riddle.
“First off, I just want to thank my parents and my family for always supporting what I do, ” Dowdy said. “Second off, I want to thank my teammates for always pushing me to get better. Third off, I want to thank Coach Boatfield and Gentry who also pushed me to get better as a person as well as in the weightroom. Last but not least, VT for always helping me throughout the years and always pushing me. He’s always told me I’m pretty good, but I never thought so. I thought I was pretty trash.”
