A soccer player who got her start in Powell River was recently named Top Goalkeeper at the 2015 PACWEST Soccer Provincials.
Playing for the Vancouver Island Univeristy (VIU) Mariners in Nanaimo, Emily Rowbotham earned the title in her team’s final game against Douglas College Royals at the provincial championships on Saturday, October 31.
Rowbotham began her soccer career as a four-year-old goalkeeper in Powell River. In addition to playing on local rep teams, Rowbotham also tended goal for the under-16 Upper Vancouver Island (UVI) United 93.
Although VIU lost the game 0–2, Rowbotham said she was likely named Top Goalkeeper because of several tough saves she made during the game’s final moments.
“I made one or two saves right off the line,” said Rowbotham. “It was right at the end of the game when we were really pushing our players up field to get a shot.”
Rowbotham credits her skill to early training she got from her Powell River coach, Paul Liknes.
“He trained me since I was little,” said Rowbotham. “He taught me how to read a play and and anticipate where the ball is going to be.”
Liknes said he credits Rowbotham’s success to her strong work ethic.
“The credit goes to Emily,” said Liknes. “There’s a lot of people out there with talent, but she really has the drive and effort to take that talent to the next level.”
Entering her fifth and final year of eligibility at VIU next year, Rowbotham is studying general arts with the goal of becoming a teacher.
Eventually Rowbotham said she hopes to get a job closer to home and eventually get a job teaching in Powell River.
“I love playing because of the team aspect of the game,” said Rowbotham. “It’s like having a huge extended family. I wouldn’t have gotten the goalkeeper of the tournament award without my amazing teammates.”
