Dynamic forward commits to Caper women’s soccer program

Dynamic forward commits to Caper women's soccer program  

Timmons calls Lauren Rowe a difference maker 

By Corey LeBlanc  

It is safe to say that playing soccer is a tradition for the Rowe family of Conception Bay South (CBS) in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

Just ask the youngest of the four siblings – Lauren – who recently committed to taking the pitch for the Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers women's program next fall. 

"I always tagged along," she remembers of accompanying her older sisters – Emily and Zoë – to their youth matches. 

Along with watching the action on the pitch, the now 17-year-old spent a lot of time "kicking the ball around" on the sidelines with her father, Trevor. 

She took the field for the first time – as a three-year-old – with the Timbits minor soccer program. 

It wasn't long before she began following in the footsteps of her sisters – and older brother, Nathan – who all played club soccer growing up and also at the provincial level. 

More often than not, Rowe laced up her cleats with players a couple years older, including Zoë, who is now a member of the Memorial Sea-Hawks in the AUS. 

When asked about the strengths of her game, Rowe points to her speed and coachability. 

Her new head coach – Ness Timmons of the Capers – describes Rowe as a "game-changer" and "difference maker." 

"She is a special player," he says. 

Noting that she is a smaller forward, Timmons adds that she is "quick and smart." 

"Just a terrific talent," he notes. 

In elaborating further, Timmons says she is "very efficient with her touches, especially in the final third." 

"She can finish in a variety of ways," he adds. 

He expects her to be a contributor from day one. 

"We think that she can make an impact for us right away. " Timmons offers. 

Making the jump to older, more experienced competition shouldn't be a problem for Lauren. 

As an underager this past summer competing in the New Foundland Senior Women's league, she captured MVP, Rookie of the year, Golden boot and was named to the All Start team. She was also named NLSA for Player of the year for 2018 and 2019. 

When asked about her decision to attend CBU, Rowe says, "I did a lot of research and I thought that CBU was a great fit for me." 

She explains that the smaller class sizes appealed to her as she plans to embark on undergraduate studies in the sciences, with an eye towards continuing on to medical school. Rowe also expects to continue her volunteer and extra-curricular pursuits. This year, in Grade 12, she is on student council and a member of the Eco Crew, along with a participant in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award program. 

And, of course, having the opportunity to join one of the top women's soccer programs in U SPORTS was a key factor. 

"He is a well-recognized coach – I can't wait to play for him," Rowe says of Timmons. 

She describes her visit to the Sydney campus earlier this year, on the opening weekend of the AUS regular season, as "beautiful." 

Timmons believes that visit – and how much she enjoyed it – was an important ingredient in Rowe making her final decision. 

"She has a great personality as a person and it shows in her play," he says, noting that Rowe is an all-round student athlete." She has received Athlete of the year for her community and school.  

Timmons adds that she is a "perfect fit for our program." 

To describe Rowe as a multi-sport athlete would be an understatement – former professional baseball and football star Bo Jackson would be envious of her athletic resume, one which includes basketball, ultimate frisbee, cross country, hockey, softball, ball hockey, indoor soccer and badminton. If that isn't enough, she is a Canada Games pool player – in both soccer and volleyball – for her province. 

"Soccer is my passion," Rowe says, in explaining why she decided to play it on the national stage in the summer of 2022.  

It was a difficult choice that she had to make as soccer and volleyball were being played in the same week. Her travel west to take part in the Vancouver Whitecaps Invitational Games of Distinction, and a possibility of attending the permanent residency program sparked her motivation to follow her soccer dreams.   

Deciding to don Caper orange next fall is the latest milestone moment in a busy few months for Rowe. 

She spoke to CBU Athletics less than 24 hours after leading her high school – Queen Elizabeth – to its first provincial soccer championship in 24 years. 

"It was awesome," Rowe says of the gold-medal victory. 

That came on the heels of a successful summer season with Feildians of St. John's in the top senior women's league in Newfoundland and Labrador. She led the loop in goal scoring as a 16-year-old. 

"It definitely pushed me to be better, and I improved a lot," she says of that experience. 

As for making the jump to the varsity level, Rowe notes she is looking forward to playing with – and against – new players. 

"I am excited about getting outside my bubble." 

As she prepares for the next stage of her soccer career, Rowe makes sure to thank her coaches, teammates and family – including her mother, Gennita Bartlett – for the role that they played in helping her "get there." 

"I wouldn't be where I am without them."