Here again with another installment of our 5 in 5 series, where we ask your favorite North Carolina Courage players five questions in five minutes, plus it only takes you five minutes to read! This week’s 5 in 5 is with NC Courage goalkeeper, Katelyn Rowland. Rowland has started three games in which she made six saves and collected two clean sheets for the Courage. She was the 17th overall pick by FC Kansas City in 2015 out of UCLA where she spent three seasons. While at UCLA, Rowland only allowed 29 goals over 66 matches. She was a key member of the 2013 UCLA squad that defeated Florida State to win the NCAA Championship right here in our very own WakeMed Soccer Park.
What is it like to play professionally in WakeMed Soccer Park after you won a national championship here in 2013?
“It’s definitely really cool. There’s a lot of us that were in that game in 2013. It was a bit weird stepping on the field a few years later. It’s been awesome and it’s definitely a new experience. It brings back memories but it’s a new experience and new team so were looking to make memories of our own on that field.”
Do you ever have the urge to come out of goal and play the ball up the field?
“Maybe a few years back but not anymore. The league is too good for that. In the modern game I think the goalkeepers use their feet a lot more so we like to think we can dribble but no we never really have that urge”
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
“I got the opportunity to go to Australia this past offseason and that was definitely one of the coolest places I’ve ever been. There’s places in Europe I’d like to go like Greece, I think that’s beautiful. I think a few different places in Europe but Australia was definitely one to knock off my bucket list.”
If you could re-live one day of your life, what day would it be and why?
“That’s tough. I’ve been blessed with a lot of different soccer opportunities that have been awesome. Definitely back here in 2013 with the national championship. When I was with the 20’s (USWNT U-20) during the World Cup stage that was definitely the experience of a lifetime. I just try to live every day. It’s awesome because I’m so blessed to be out here with such a cool group and this is an awesome opportunity in itself.”
What’s your favorite meal or restaurant in the Triangle area?
“Me and Makenzy Doniak like to go to Wicked Taco. It’s so good. Their breakfast tacos are the best I’ve ever had.” Rowland and the NC Courage are back in action this Saturday, June 24 at 4 pm at Jordan Field as they take on the Boston Breakers for the second weekend in a row. The team returns home on July 1 to host Sky Blue FC at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park Get your tickets online at NCFCTix.com or by calling our box office at 919-459-8144.
