Rowan Pilon is making huge contributions for a Valley Regional girls’ lacrosse team that’s seen plenty of success through the first few weeks of the 2022 season. A sophomore, Rowan has been tearing it up on offense for the Warriors, who are sporting a record of 3-0 thus far.

Rowan has already scored 23 goals to go with 4 assists through Valley’s first three contests. Rowan credits her fast start to both a rising confidence in her game and the cohesion between her and her teammates.

“I am more comfortable dodging from behind the goal, and my teammates are doing a great job of setting me up,” says Rowan. “Our team is very fast this year and moves the ball very well. This allows me to be open on fast breaks. The team worked hard on ball movement in the offseason, and everyone’s hard work is paying off.”

Rowan turned in a couple of big performances in Valley’s two victories last week. Rowan had 6 goals and 2 assists when the Warriors earned a 21-3 win against Old Saybrook and then followed that up by netting 8 goals in their 20-5 victory over Morgan.

Rowan embraces many aspects of lacrosse. In addition to competing for Valley Regional, Rowan sharpens her skills by playing the sport as often as she can throughout the year.

“I really enjoy the competitive nature of the game and being part of a team. To improve my game, I try to play as much as possible in the offseason,” Rowan says. “This winter, I played box lacrosse, which is an indoor mix between lacrosse and hockey. The team I played for was newly formed out of Glastonbury. I also participated in various clinics with local college coaches.”

Head Coach Randy Netsch describes Rowan as a catalyst in Valley’s offense. Netsch says that the sophomore attacker has the capability of scoring a goal at any point during a game.

“Rowan has done a great job controlling the offensive crease area,” says Netsch. “She’s had solid, consistent contributions with her ball movement and scoring.”

Rowan credits Coach Netsch for always providing positive reinforcement for the Warriors. Rowan says that type of positivity motivates her to realize her potential as a lacrosse player.

“Coach Netsch has such a positive outlook, which has really contributed to the confidence our team displays,” Rowan says. “We are off to a terrific start, and I’m looking forward to a great season.”

Rowan believes that more good things are in store for Valley Regional as the spring season unfolds. Ultimately, Rowan wants to see the Warriors qualify for Shorelines and states and then make some noise in the playoffs.

“As a team we hope to compete for the Shoreline championship and participate in the State Tournament,” says Rowan. “Our team has shown great improvement from last season, and we’re excited to see how far we’ll go.”

In addition to lacrosse, Rowan is also a member of the Valley field hockey program. Rowan suffered a foot injury in her freshman year and then had surgery to repair it over the summer. Consequently, Rowan had to sit out her sophomore season of field hockey, but she’s planning to get back out there as a junior this fall.

“I ended up missing the fall season while recovering and that was tough, because I would have loved to play,” Rowan says. “Field hockey was a new sport to me my freshman year. I played to learn a new sport and to be a part of a team during the fall season. The team had an amazing run this year. I look forward to hopefully playing next year.”

While she’s only a sophomore at Valley Regional, Rowan already has her sights set on playing lacrosse at the college level. Rowan is also interested in working for the FBI when she gets older. Last summer, Rowan participated in the Future Law Enforcement Youth Academy (FLEYA) with the FBI at the Coast Guard Academy.

“I hope to be accepted into the program again this summer, which will be held at Yale. I intend to study neuroscience in college and pursue a career with the FBI,” says Rowan. “My interest in the FBI actually started with TV shows that highlighted the Behavioral Analysis Unit. We searched for summer forensics programs last year and came across the FBI FLEYA program. It was a great experience.”