Kelly Rowswell, ‘20, recently received the First Team All-South Region award for her performance as the women’s soccer goalie.
Rowswell started playing goalie when she was only ten years old. “My coach just threw me in the net and I loved it ever since,” she said. “I’ve played all different sports throughout high school, but soccer was my favorite of them all. I continue to play because it’s a great way to connect with my team, to be competitive, and play the sport I have always loved.”
Rowswell said that she chose to play for Rollins College because of what the team and coaches stood for.
“When I came on my unofficial visit I could see the passion and love for the game that the players played with.”
She believed that they could overcome any obstacle put before them, and she also wanted to be a part of a great academic school with small classrooms and dedicated teachers.
Other than the First Team All-South Region award, Rowswell has also earned the First Team All-Conference, NSCAA All South Region Third Team, and SSC Defensive Player of the Week Sept. 26, 2016.
This year, she also received the First Team All-Conference and SSC Defensive Player of the Week Sept. 25, 2017. Rowswell felt honored to have been chosen out of the many other great goalkeepers in the region: “It made me feel like all my hard work so far has paid off.”
Rowswell believed that the different coaches she has had throughout her life pushed her out of her comfort zone and made her into the goalkeeper she is today: “They were very tough on me and pushed me very hard technically and mentally. They taught me the true difference of what being a good goalkeeper looked like and what being a great goalkeeper looked like.”
Besides her coaches, Rowswell has pulled much of her inspiration from her mother, who she says has always been her biggest supporter.
Roswell is a business management major but plans to take enough science courses that once she graduates, she can open her own chiropractic office.
Although Rowswell does not plan on pursuing a career in soccer outside of college, she still has hopes that she can win Conference and get to the NCAA’s national championship with her team.
“Have fun and play with heart and passion,” was what Rowswell would tell younger players who want to achieve like she has.
“If you truly love the game, you can do anything you want on the field if you try. Always try your best even if you are scared. Even though you might fail, you will keep on improving, learn from your mistakes, and grow as a person.”
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