ST. JOHN’S, NL – Lauren Rowe has been making her mark on soccer pitches around Newfoundland and Labrador — and Atlantic Canada — for years. She is now is getting national attention, garnering an invite to join the Canada Women’s U-20 team at the CONCACAF pre-tournament camp in the Dominican Republic as a training player.
The 17-year old Queen Elizabeth Regional High School student has made five trips to the Vancouver Whitecaps regional EXCEL (REX) program over the years and has most recently been training with Joey Lombardi at the Ontario REX program.
Lombardi is also director of the women’s U-20 program.
In getting ready for the upcoming camp, Rowe has been working on her fitness and getting some touches on the ball, which has been difficult due to recent COVID-19 restrictions.
“The speed of play and level of fitness among athletes at the REX program is amazing,” Lauren said. “I always thought I was fit, but I realized I had some work to do.”
Through the support of the NLSA and local sports community, she’s been able to access additional training opportunities through the PowerPlex and the team at the Swilers club designed a soccer-specific program for her.Lauren credits her success to date to her work ethic, family, coaches and teammates.
“Growing up in an athletic, multi-sport family has helped. My parents have been behind me from the beginning, and they and my brother and sisters are my biggest supporters — they inspire me every day. And my coaches and teammates help make me a better player, in terms of instruction, opportunity, and getting me the ball so I can be my best.”
As an underager, it’s unlikely Rowe will dress for any of Canada’s games, but she’ll be ready to step in if needed, and will be soaking up a multitude of learnings which she can use to take her game to the next level, and bring back to her teammates.
In addition to playing for the NL Canada Summer Games Team, she is a member of the Feildian’s senior women’s team which plays in the Breen’s Jubilee Trophy, where Rowe was recognized as Rookie of the Year, Top Goal Scorer, and Regular Season MVP in 2021.
“Canada has always had a strong women’s national team, but last year’s gold medal performance at the Olympics really inspired me to work harder and see what is possible for my game,” she said.
