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03/05/2024 10:32 AMWhen it comes to her skill set and acumen with the game of lacrosse, Rowan Pilon takes a slow but steady approach of improving herself every instance of every day. That growth mindset has netted her quite the list of accolades, and a chance to continue on the collegiate stage.
The Valley Regional senior attacker played several sports growing up, but lacrosse was the one that stuck out to her. The passion for it is in the proof for Rowan–totaling 192 career points through her junior season, while being a two-time selection for the All-State and First Team All-Shoreline squads. Additionally, she was a two-time honoree as a Shoreline Conference Scholar Athlete. Yet beyond graduation, Rowan will get a chance to add to her laundry list of laurels by committing to play for the College of Wooster in Ohio.
“I have always felt like part of a team with lacrosse. I caught onto it quickly, and just wanted to keep improving. Seeing everyone else play made me want to get better. Something always stuck with me, and I liked to set challenges I could achieve,” says Rowan. “The recruiting process is a stressful one. I have played all over Connecticut, and also Long Island. I almost felt rushed with the process, but I knew I had to visit the school first and meet the coach and feel that connection. I wanted somewhere where I could focus on my education and lacrosse.”
Reps, reps, and then some more reps have always rung true for Rowan in her recipe for success on the turf. Though she adds that being a pseudo-coach and mentor to teammates helps her improve by developing a new perspective.
“I keep practicing and sign up for any clinics around me. Watching older players play and learning from them has helped me. I also think teaching others helps me, because it gives me a chance to more fully understand myself,” Rowan says. “I love scoring goals, but I also love playing as a team and watching it all come together. I love seeing everyone involved; it makes me feel like I have accomplished more.”
Speaking more to Rowan’s tenacity and toughness, she has had to battle back from injuries through her Warriors’ tenure. Still, she is indebted eternally to her teammates and coaches who have always made her feel welcomed and loved–whether as a spectator or a participant.
“Two out of my three lacrosse seasons, I have been injured. I needed to have foot surgery my freshman year, and then going into junior year, I broke my collar bone,” Rowan says. “What helped was surrounding myself with this team and its environment. It reminded me of why I love the game, and that I have to be ready to get back out there.”
Rowan explains her final campaign with Valley will be one of transition, with a new leader at the helm and several new rookies that will figure prominently into the Warriors’ plans. She notes that as long as the girls support each other with incredible enthusiasm every step of the way, it will all pan out in a positive manner.
“We have a new coach this year, so I must adapt to his style. Also, we have 12 new freshmen and some of them most likely in starting roles. We’ll have to gel quickly to be competitive this season,” says Rowan. “It will be a learning process with working with those that have and have not played lacrosse previously. I am super excited about our new coach, because it will be great to have someone else to learn from. Having high spirits makes everyone play better; we make sure we cheer every play. I think each part of the team will eventually click together.”
Former Valley girls’ lax Head Coach Randy Netsch notes that the sport is truly a lifestyle for Rowan that engulfs every part of her day. He adds that she never backs down from any challenge with positivity, knowing that sticking with the plan will pay off ten fold in the end.
“The phrase ‘eats, sleeps, breathes’ gets thrown around a lot, but it is an accurate and apt description of Rowan and her commitment to lacrosse. She will play an afternoon game with her team in winter league, then jump in a car for a four hour drive so she can play in a tournament the next day in another state,” says Netsch. “Rowan has exceptional skills and is always a threat to score around the crease. Her opponents will often double team her to try and prevent her from scoring. Rowan also has excellent knowledge of the game of lacrosse and strategies to improve field play. She worked hard all season to keep players upbeat and positive. She helped less skilled players with their field play and was always encouraging them to try to become better players. That is what being a teammate is all about. I am confident that Rowan will continue to work tirelessly to make her team the best they can be in her senior year.”
As a student-athlete, Rowan has truly realized the benefits of balance when it comes to life’s many obligations. Through the trials, tribulations, and eventual triumphs around her clubs, Rowan notes that no matter how bleak things may seem, it all shines through with persistence.
“I learned time management, which will benefit me in college. But I’ve also learned patience with brand new players, and perseverance when things haven’t gone our way. I’m proud of the team we had last year, even though we struggled to get wins. I think we have an opportunity to compete in the conference this season,” says Rowan. “I play lacrosse about five times a week, but I also realized that balancing time for schoolwork and sports will help me improve. You can be a great lacrosse player, but if you have terrible grades, it will not get you far.”