One Swing Is Enough: The Patient growth of Declan Lowry
Declan Lowry Continues to Strive for More
Some specialists grow up chasing spotlight.
Others grow up preparing for the moment when it finally finds them.
Declan Lowry is the second kind.
A 2027-class kicker and punter from The St. James Performance Academy in Springfield, Virginia, Declan is developing inside one of the most demanding football environments in the country. No traditional mascot. No shortcuts. No guarantees. Just reps, pressure, and standards.
They call their teams the Strivvers and that word defines exactly how Declan approaches the craft.
From Soccer to the Specialist Role
Declan’s path into football started the same way many elite specialists begin:
a soccer ball and a strong leg.
His dad played football. Declan played soccer. When he tried out for football, coaches placed him at kicker and curiosity took over.
“I always wanted to see how different kicking a football was than kicking a soccer ball.”
That curiosity turned into commitment when Declan was coached by the best in the state. From that moment forward, the goal wasn’t just to play, it was to maximize his potential.
Football wasn’t just something he did.
It became something he planned his future around.
Learning the Game from the Sideline
Declan didn’t start at the top.
For his first two seasons, he was the backup. Watching. Waiting. Repping. Learning.
Instead of frustration, he found growth.
“I feel like it helped me continuously practice.”
That time sharpened his discipline and built the foundation of his mindset because specialists know something others don’t:
When your moment comes, there are no warm-up snaps.
Developed Under Proven Leadership
At St. James, Declan is coached by Darryl Overton, Director of Football and Head Coach, a proven winner with a 103–14 career record and multiple state championships, now building a program from the ground up.
That environment doesn’t protect you; it tests you.
Declan welcomes it.
Transfers are coming. Competition is real. Nothing is promised.
“Sooner or later a kicker is gonna come and I will win the spot.”
That belief doesn’t come from hope.
It comes from work.
Camp Performance That Demands Attention
Declan’s development is showing up where it matters on the national camp circuit.
Verified Performance Highlights:
Kohl’s Camps:
Kickoffs reaching 75 yards / 3.4 hang
Best punt 54 yards / 4.4 hang
13 points scored at the 2026 Kohl’s Underclassman Challenge FG sessions
Strong leg. Clean contact. Repeatable mechanics.
But what stands out most?
Calm.
“I don’t take it too seriously. If I miss it, I miss it. If I make it, I make it.”
That’s not casual that’s confidence born from preparation.
Mindset: One Chance Is Enough
Football isn’t a hobby for Declan.
“I want it to be my life and be my future.”
The biggest lesson the game has taught him is simple and unforgiving:
“No matter how many times you get prepared, in the moment you only have one chance.”
That belief fuels how he trains:
Lifting every day
Kicking multiple times per week
Actively improving his physical presence
Holding himself accountable through comparison and self-evaluation
Pressure doesn’t scare him.
It clarifies him.
Quiet Edge, Locked-In Focus
Declan doesn’t chase noise.
He enjoys being by himself. Pregame is music and prayer
Off the field, he’s preparing to step into boxing, another sign of his willingness to embrace discipline and discomfort.
Favorite food with family? Wingstop.
Most loyal companion? His dog, Kaiser.
Simple. Focused. Purpose-driven.
Beyond Football
Declan carries a 3.0 GPA and an interest in business, understanding that football can open doors, but education keeps them open.
College football matters because it represents:
Opportunity
Development
Stability
Growth
He wants a program that demands excellence.
He’s willing to wait.
He’s willing to compete.
And when it’s his turn, he’ll be ready.
Message to Coaches
“I will dedicate myself to the team and be the very best decision they can make.”
Declan Lowry brings:
Commitment to development
Team-first mentality
Composure under pressure
A relentless desire to improve
He’s offering reliability.
FINAL WORD
Declan Lowry is being built the right way through patience, pressure, and preparation.
He understands the truth of the specialist position:
You may only get one swing.
One snap.
One moment.
And when that moment comes,
Declan Lowry plans to be ready.
📍 Springfield, VA
🎓 Class of 2027
🎯 Position: K
📲 X: @DeclanLowry99 | IG: declan_lowry
Eyes steady. Foot true. Uprights split.
