Renee Dowd was hired as head coach of the Franklin & Marshall women’s lacrosse program prior to the 2025 season and promptly led the Diplomats to the Centennial Conference Championship during her first season on the sidelines. During an 18-3 campaign, the Diplomats went undefeated in Centennial Conference play during the regular season and captured the conference's tournament championship for the first time since 2011. Named the Centennial Conference Coach of the Year after that campaign, Dowd mentored four All-Americans, six all-region selections, and two conference players of the year. Her team also excelled in the classroom as F&M earned the IWLCA's Scholar Team Award while 13 student-athletes were named to the Centennial Conference Academic Honor Roll.
That Centennial Conference Championship continues Dowd's track record of success at the nation's top academic and athletic schools. Prior to joining the Diplomats, Dowd won a national championship as a player, gained coaching experience at the Division I level, and worked as the head coach in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) with Bates. During her three seasons at Bates, the team increase its win total during each season. That achievement included a top 10 win against Colby during the 2024 season. In addition to her increased success on the field, Dowd additionally served as a facilitator with Athletes Unlimited – the only professional women's lacrosse league. In that role, she helped the team captains with both game preparation and on-field coaching strategy.
"Renee brings a strong foundation to Franklin & Marshall that will build upon the tremendous legacy of our women's lacrosse program," explained Director of Athletics & Recreation Lauren Packer Webster at the time of Dowd's hiring. "She brings a tremendous passion for the student-athlete experience both on the field and in the classroom. I know that her success at top academic and athletic colleges and universities will be a great asset to our entire department as we continue to compete for championships at the conference and national level. Her focus on culture and leadership development will enhance our championship mindset."
Prior to being named the head coach at Bates, Dowd was an assistant at Division I Elon University for two years. Working alongside head coach Josh Hexter, Dowd guided the Phoenix to an appearance in the 2021 Colonial Athletic Association Championship game. That came just one year after she led a defense that finished third in all of Division I in goals allowed per game.
Bringing a winning pedigree to the program, Dowd played at Trinity College (Conn.), helping the Bantams reach the NCAA tournament in all four seasons, including capturing the Division III national title in 2012. Playing under current Middlebury head coach Kate Livesay, Dowd helped the Bantams win four NESCAC Championships where the team also played for the national title during each of those seasons. Dowd graduated from Trinity in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in economics before earning her master's degree in sport leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2021.
Dowd began her coaching career as an assistant at Colby where she helped the Mules win the NESCAC Championship in 2017. Experienced in all facets of the game, Dowd worked with the offense when she first arrived at Colby in 2016 before taking over defensive coaching responsibilities for the 2017-19 seasons. During her tenure at Colby, Dowd coached three All-Americans, four All-NESCAC honorees, and one NESCAC Defensive Player of the Year.
What they are saying about Renee Dowd's hiring
"I am thrilled to welcome Renee to the league and see her take on this exciting opportunity at Franklin & Marshall. Her passion and enthusiasm for the sport of lacrosse will undoubtedly be a tremendous asset to the program. With the strong foundation already in place at F&M, she has the chance to bring fresh ideas and build on their winning tradition."
- Celine Cunningham, Director of Athletics at Dickinson
Former Deputy Director of Athletics & Senior Woman Administrator at Bates
"Franklin & Marshall scored with the hire of Renee Dowd. I am confident that under her leadership, F&M will continue to compete at the highest levels. Renee is a proven winner both as a player and as a coach. She is one of those coaches who can connect with her athletes and bring out the best in them. Her passion for her student-athletes and the sport of lacrosse will serve her team and the College for years to come."
- Karen Henning, Head Women's Lacrosse Coach at Colby College
| Dowd File |
| |
Overall |
CC Conference |
|
| Year |
Won |
Loss |
Pct. |
Won |
Loss |
Pct. |
Accolades |
| 2025 |
18 |
3 |
.857 |
8 |
0 |
1.000 |
CC Championships, NCAA Sweet 16, CC Coach of the Year |
| 1 Season |
18 |
3 |
.857 |
8 |
0 |
1.000 |
|
