Greg Rowson gets Rookie of the Year, makes All-State team

By MEREDITH JENNINGS

Staff Writer

UMW men’s basketball player Greg Rowson hauled in Rookie of the Year, as awarded by The Virginia Sports Information Directors. The VaSID organization is comprised of sports information professionals from NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, independent institutions and community colleges from across Virginia. The purpose of the organization is to promote college athletics at all two or four-year institutions.

Rowson described how consistency was a trait that made him a valuable player.

“I think that I played a critical role for a very talented team,” said Rowson. “I scored consistently through the season and helped lead our team to some really good wins.”

That consistency has been duly noted by Mary Washington, as his stats indicate that he shoots on average 16 points per game. The up and coming first-year player shot 40 percent from beyond the arc and nearly 84 percent from the free-throw line as well.

Becoming the type of player to garner the attention of VaSID is no small feat, and Rowson points to his family as a source of inspiration and drive. His father coached him from second grade to eighth grade, and he really pushed Rowson to work on his game. Even his mother played basketball at the University of Virginia, so there is always been a love for basketball in his family. 

But despite working on his skills from a young age, it was not until high school that Rowson decided to focus on basketball exclusively. He enjoyed playing on his high school team at Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, but he notes that there are clear changes between college level and high school level basketball. The biggest change is the level of physicality. 

“In high school I was stronger than almost everyone I played against, but in college it was completely different,” said Rowson. “Adapting to the physicality was challenging, but I think I progressed as the season went on by getting stronger and more physical.”

Rowson acknowledges that basketball is a team sport and a team effort. Winning Rookie of the Year is certainly a distinguished award, but the sport is about individuals coming together to play the game.

“I’ve really enjoyed playing for UMW,” said Rowson. “We’ve got a great group of guys and a great coaching staff, and it’s been a lot of fun getting to know them and to get better with them.”

Rowson was also selected to the All-State second team, along with UMW senior Johnny Cronin.