ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Kelly Rowswell

How long have you been playing soccer and basketball?

I started playing soccer and basketball when I was 6 at the YMCA, and I played both up until the eighth grade. Then when I went to high school, I had to choose because they were the same season, and I chose soccer and had to quit basketball. Just this year I was able to play both because of Coach (Greg) Stone and Coach (Rebecca) Dyer.

What’s your schedule like while playing two sports?

Basically, soccer comes first, and I go to basketball whenever I can. Sometimes soccer is right after school, and then I’ll have to go to basketball right after that, and then I just go home, take an ice bath and then go for the next day. (laughs) And then if I have two games on the same day, I’ll go to the soccer game.

Does that conflict happen a lot?

It’s not too bad. I try to make it as much as possible for both because I love playing both sports.

Do you have a favorite memory playing soccer here?

I guess just seeing everyone advance each practice, each week as the year goes on. A lot of these girls have only been playing in high school, so I like helping the girls improve on their game and seeing them improve and being happy at the end of the season.

What made you decide to play goalie?

I’ve been playing goalkeeper since I was 10, so that’s been seven years now. The other one got injured, and my coach just threw me in, and I loved it so much. I’ve just gotten used to the hits and taking one for the team, giving up the body.

What made you choose to pursue soccer in college?

I’ve been verbally committed to Rollins since the end of my sophomore year, and I just fell in love with the campus and the coaches and all the players that are currently on the team. They finished second in the nation last year.

What do you want to study in college?

I’m between either psychology or biochem, because I want to go be a doctor.

Do you have a favorite class in school?

I think either IB Psychology with Miss (Beth) Isley or IB Math with Miss (Hillary) McCormick.

What do you like to do if you ever get free time?

I like to hang out with my family and friends — go to the movies, go to the beach — which is very rare.

What’s a good movie you’ve seen recently?

The new “(The Hunger Games) Mockingjay, Part 2”. I’ve watched all the movies, so it’s been one of my favorites for a while.

— Zak Kerr