Division III Week Student Spotlight – Blake Rowland
This week is NCAA Division III Week and member institutions across the country are celebrating the fifth-year event.
Division III Week, which runs from Monday through Sunday, is intended to recognize the academic and athletic accomplishments as well as the campus leadership and community service efforts of Division III student-athletes.
As part of Huntingdon College's participation in Division III Week, six student-athletes will be featured this week. Huntingdon senior Blake Rowland is today's featured student-athlete.
By Chuck Tidmore
Sports Information Assistant
Name: Blake Rowland
Year: Senior
Hometown: Leroy, Ala.
Major: Exercise Science
Career Goals: Plans on being a physical therapist
Sport: Softball
Athletic Accomplishments: Rowland has appeared in 68 games in three seasons. This season, she leads the team with 22 RBI's and 15 walks while scoring 14 runs and recording 19 hits.
Academic Achievements and Campus Activities: In three years at Huntingdon, Rowland has been a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. She has also been involved with the worship band, has been Huntingdon's mascot, Hank the Hawk, and has served as the director of public relations for the Student Government Association. She was named to the USA South Academic All-Conference team her sophomore year.
What made you feel like Huntingdon was the right place for you? "When I came on my visit, it really felt like home. I know that's a cliché thing to say, but it really did and that's why I wanted to come here."
What has made your Huntingdon experience unique? "What's unique about Huntingdon is all the diverse people. You have people in the band, sororities and athletics, but everyone is one family. They aren't separated into groups and I like that I am able to know everyone; not just the girls on the softball team or in my sorority."
How has Huntingdon challenged you academically and athletically? "It's very challenging. Academically speaking, the teachers really push you and want you to do well and provide a lot of opportunities to succeed. Athletically, it's a lot to deal with. The coaches do a good job to make sure there is time for practice, but also try to help you succeed in the classroom."
What has been your biggest highlight as a Huntingdon student-athlete? "Going to the USA South Athletic Conference tournament my sophomore year. We were undefeated for the weekend until the championship game. Even though we fell in the championship game, it was a great experience and an eye-opener. I came to Huntingdon my sophomore year, so to be able to go the championship my first year here was a great experience."
As a student-athlete, what is your impression of Division III now compared to your first season? "It's not what people think it is. There are some really talented athletes out here and in my opinion, Division III athletes are the people who didn't get discovered in high school. I didn't take it lightly when I came in, but it was still an eye-opener to see the talent that is in Division III."