The 1740 Foundation was founded in the Fall of 2009 by Head Coach of the Duke Lacrosse Team, John Danowski.The foundation was created to promote academic and social achievement through increased exposure to team athletics and positive mentorship. Through lacrosse, Coach Danowski hopes to reinforce attributes such as teamwork, work ethic, and perseverance.  

The 1740 Foundation is named for the lacrosse numbers of the Danowski’s two children, Kate and Matt.  The Danowski’s now hope to pass on the opportunities afforded to their own two children to the children in the Durham area and beyond.

John Danowski

John Danowski discovered lacrosse in high school on Long Island. Originally, a way to stay in shape during football’s off season, Coach Danowski soon fell in love with the camaraderie that the sport fostered. After four years on the Varsity lacrosse team at Rutgers, he was hooked. Now, entering his 29th season as head coach of a collegiate lacrosse program, Coach Danowski still stands in awe of the opportunities and friendships the sport of lacrosse has created for the people around him. The 1740 Foundation was founded on the tenet that lacrosse can serve as a gateway to greater opportunity and personal growth.

Coach Danowski is a teacher above all else. His background in counseling and education permeates his daily interactions. His youth camps and clinics focus on teaching game fundamentals and enhancing the skill level of those who attend. For Coach Danowski, sports are a life-long learning experience and lacrosse is an excellent opportunity to teach.

CONGRATULATIONS TO COACH DANOWSKI FOR LEADING THE DUKE BLUE DEVILS TO WIN THE 2010 MEN'S LACROSSE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

Tricia Danowski

Tricia Danowski is the leading lady of the entire foundation.  She met John as a successful young woman in New York and has become the top supporter of her family, the Duke Men's Varsity Lacrosse Team, and the 1740 Foundation.  Tricia has witnessed first-hand how the gift of lacrosse can teach valuable skills and open numerous doors to those that are fortunate enough to have access to it.  Tricia is the backbone of the foundation and we cannot thank her enough for her continuous hard work and support.

Kate Danowski

Kate Danowski, an elementary school teacher in Bethpage, NY shares her father's passion for teaching.  Kate attended Quinnipiac University where she was a captain and letterwinner in lacrosse. She graduated in 2005 and went on to become an elementary school teacher. She is currently coaching both girl’s basketball and lacrosse at the local high school to share her passion for sports.

Matt Danowski

For Matt, team sports have always been a way of life. Growing up in Farmingdale, New York, Matt could always be found on a field or court; whether it be football, lacrosse, or basketball.

Matt has found that lacrosse has opened doors for him his entire life.  In his five years playing collegiate lacrosse, Matt was awarded the Tewaaraton Trophy, obtained both an undergraduate and a graduate degree from Duke, and made lifelong friends.  He still holds the NCAA record for career points scored.  After college, he went on to play professional lacrosse and is currently employed by Warrior lacrosse working to develop new and more effective equipment.