Owen Bowles '24 Recruiting Profile

"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life." - Muhammad Ali

This quote hits home for me. I grew up in a small town and wasn't considered a "townie" so was often left out or not chosen for the best team (s). I believe that you should never give up trying and you need to take risks so that you can be better.  Failure is important to learn how to be better, but your response to failure is even more important. You have to pick yourself up, try harder, ask for feedback and continue to improve. I was nervous the first time I tried out for a premier soccer team in a different town with kids I didn't know. I only made the team as a player in training.  My teammates knew because I didn't have a uniform and didn't play in games. It was tough for me, but I worked hard, was coachable and showed a love for the sport. I tried out 6 months later and made the team. If I didn't put myself in an uncomfortable situation and fail, I wouldn't be a leader on the team today and learning from a great coach.

I have been playing team soccer since I was 5 years old and premier soccer for 5 years. I now have 1 year of high school soccer under my belt while navigating COVID19  protocols and restrictions. I took a risk and tried out for the crew team this spring at  my high school because I love the water and thought it would be a complimentary sport and work out. Throughout my athletic career, coaches and trainers have always acknowledged that I work hard, am coachable and very open to feedback.

My high school is a regional high school where people from various towns attend. It is a big change from having 40 kids in my grade to at least 700 kids. I am looking forward to meeting all of them as we transition back to school full-time. I am enrolled in honors classes and have a passion for Math and Science. I am looking forward to going to college and pursing my interests in science so I can make a difference some day.