Kathleen Denvir’s Path to Division 1 Lacrosse is Proof That Someone is Always Watching

Kathleen Denvir played a considerable role on Rye Girls Lacrosse’s state finalist team just a year ago, in her first season after committing to further her athletic and academic career at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. However, her route towards an Ivy League education and spot on an NCAA Division 1 roster took the right turn at an unexpected time.

“My recruiting process for Brown was a bit unconventional,” Denvir told MyRye.com when asked about her path to becoming a Bear.

Denvir cofirmed that the process started just like almost every aspiring collegiate athlete – setting up an online profile, emailing various schools and coaches, and attending showcase games. She began seriously considering persuing lacrosse at the next level during the summer of 2023, as a rising junior at Rye High School. However, it was an unlikely turn of events that led to the 5′ 10″ defender and midfielder to commit to Brown two Septembers ago.

Denvir played for 3D Colorado during the summer of 2023, a club team which offered her and her teammates plenty of exposure to college coaches. One game in particular was played at a secluded grass field against a far inferior opponent, Denvir recalls. She described the contest as a “throw-away game.” However, it was that easy win for 3D that Denvir will remember forever.

“I didn’t know that at this game both the head coaches from Brown and Dartmouth had come to watch my goalie, Ruby Luckten,” Denvir told MyRye.com. “It was a pretty serendipitous moment since I was sure nobody was watching, so I was playing for fun the whole time.”

Brown underwent a coaching change after the 2023, as Katrina Dowd was named head coach, replacing 19-year veteran Keely McDonald. Dowd starting recruiting for both the classes of 2028 and 2029 right away, which included a trip to the secluded grass field. Although she was there to watch Luckten, someone else on the 3D roster caught her attention.

“After the game, my coach told me that the new head coach for Brown, Katrina Dowd, was impressed by my defense and speed in the clear,” Denvir told MyRye.com. “September first I got a call from Coach Dowd, and I’ve been excited for Providence ever since.”

Denvir explained to MyRye.com that the decision to commit was easy, especially when she heard from players on the Bears’ 2023-24 roster speak volumes about Dowd and her assistant Taylor Scotton. “Every girl I’ve talked to on the team has spoken about the impact Coach Down and Scotton have already had on the program,” Denvir said. “So I’m really humbled and super proud to be a part of her first recruiting class.”

Before taking her talents to Rhode Island in the fall of 2025, though, Denvir wants to get the most out of her senior year as a marquee player on a team with very high aspirations. The Garnets advanced all the way to the New York State championship game under head coach Michelle Mason in 2024, and are looking for similar success this coming season.

“We have such an exciting opportunity this season since we have lots of younger players ready to prove themselves, which I think pushes the leaders on our team to work harder,” Denvir said to MyRye.com. “It’s an inspiring thing to get to play on Rye’s team, and I cannot wait for the spring.”

Denvir is proud to continue her athletic and academic journey at Brown, but knows there is still work to be done. She admitted to MyRye.com that she is still looking to refine her game, both as a midfielder and as a defender. “I’m hoping to improve my ability to push a fast break and work on my defensive knockdowns from the bottom of the [8-meter arc],” the senior said.

Before that, she will continue to focus on her winter sport of basketball, who are in the midst of a run in the section 1 playoffs. They are three wins away from a Class AA championship.