On Tuesday, Jan. 21, senior Ryan Mauer announced his commitment to Brown University for lacrosse. Mauer is the second member of the team and first in the Class of 2025 to pursue the sport at an Ivy League school. Since starting in kindergarten, he grew fondly of the game to now continuing for another four years.
“I want to have fun with the lacrosse aspect [at Brown] and build connections that will help me after college,” Mauer told The Fanscotian.
One of eight Ivy League schools, Brown University is located in Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1764, the private institution is internationally recognized for innovative learning, exceptional research and passionate collaboration. The Ivy League athletic conference competes in the NCAA at the Division I level.
“I love the campus and the open curriculum was appealing to me because you’re not limited to classes you don’t want to take,” Mauer said. “The lacrosse team was awesome and it’s a great opportunity with the alumni network [they have].”
The Brown Bears are ten time Ivy League champions, topping the table last in 2016 with a perfect 6-0 record against conference opponents. In that campaign, they finished an overall 16-3 and were NCAA National semifinalists. Recently, the program has not had an outstanding season matching the one nine years ago, and are looking to rebuild in order to reclaim their historic status.
Mauer served as the backup face-off specialist in his first two varsity seasons, only taking 96 duels and winning 62 of them. After senior Ethan Filler graduated, SPF needed a new number one to fill the gritty role in the middle of the field.
Taking the center stage last year, Mauer shined with a 70% win percentage, earning possession 261 times out of 372 for the Raiders. In addition to the spring high school season, Mauer received recognition as one of the best at the position through his 3d Garden State 2025 club team and under the Philly Faceoff League.
“The [Philly Faceoff League] definitely helped me with training, going to the ground balls and getting gritty,” Mauer said. “My coach helped me through the recruitment process and keep developing [as a player].”
Mauer’s junior year was certainly one to remember—being named to the first team All-State, county and division. Amongst all starting face-off specialists in the immensely competitive Fitch-Pitt division, he had the most duels won and the highest winning percentage. He also added two goals to the scoresheet and won the most ground balls on the team with 174.
The conclusion of the winter sports season is quickly approaching, marking the near beginning of the spring season for the lacrosse team. With one season left at the high school level, Mauer plans to push himself further to round off his career accomplishing multiple personal feats.
“I want to be above 75% for faceoffs, score a lot of goals and get some postseason honors,” Mauer said.
