Alcovy soccer player Mackenzie Rowland signed with Truett McConnell this past Thursday, choosing it over Shaw University and Young Harris.
She has been a standout for the Lady Tigers over the last two seasons, particularly, and one of Alcovy coach Chris Ubriaco’s most steady players.
Ubriaco said that Rowland’s importance to his young program could not be understated.
“Before I came here she was a good player, but now she’s really developed into a team leader,” Ubriaco said. “She’s really embraced that role over the last couple of years for me. She’s really in a key position that’s right in the middle of everything we do. And having a rock back there has been tremendous for us. She’s still developing as a player, but she’s more developing as a leader right now.”
Rowland is currently in the midst of a 2017 campaign with Alcovy to where she’s trying to help the Lady Tigers make another state playoff appearance, and hopefully a deep run. But she took the time to talk with The Covington News about her signing and her experience at Alcovy.
The Covington News: Describe your experience playing at Alcovy these last four years:
Rowland: “My experience these past four years playing soccer at Alcovy have been some of the best times of my high school career. High school soccer is the only thing I look forward to yearly. The bonds I’ve carried with my teammates over the years are the times I cherish most.”
TCN: How does it feel signing to continue playing a sport you love at the next level?
Rowland: “I am so excited to be playing at the college level. It feels awesome. I’ve played since I was four years old, and the idea of that ending this year was just not an option for me. Soccer is something that has taught me discipline and certainly how to win and lose graciously. I was blessed to receive three academic and soccer scholarships from three really good schools. Truett was such a good fit for me from the very first visit. I’m grateful they saw potential in me and offered me a scholarship for both my athletic ability as well as my hard work to keep my grades up.”
TCN: What made Truett McConnell the best option for you?
Rowland: “They emphasize that educational and college life are just as important as my soccer career. It’s small, yet modern and just two and a half hours from. And it’s in the mountains, and I’ll be surrounded by people who tend to have all the same values that I have – all things that are important to me.”
TCN: What are you most looking forward to about college?
Rowland: “It would have to be making all new friends and taking my first steps to being independent. I’m beyond excited to go ahead and start and hopefully take a path down nursing or criminal justice. I’m just excited. And I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am today, if it weren’t for my parents and grandparents loving and support me every step of the way.”
Tyler Williams also contributed to this report.