Get to Know Emily Kowalik, One of Florida’s Top Uncommitted Seniors
Written by Lee Roggenburg on . Posted in Uncategorized.
By Bianca Diaz
I have recently had the pleasure to see Emily Kowalik play this year at Pope John Paul II High School as well as on her club team, Lady Swashbucklers. I was most impressed with her when she played for the South Florida team for the US Lacrosse National Tournament in Bel Air, Maryland. She is an exceptional player and is always working hard both for herself and her teammates. There is no doubt that Emily will be one of the key players this year for Pope and in her future playing college lacrosse.
Full name: Emily Marie de Macedo Gomes Kowalik
Position: midfield, alternating defense Height: 5’8” Weight: 140lbs High school team: Pope John Paul II Eagles Club team: Lady Swashbucklers Lacrosse Honors: 3 year varsity starter, 2nd team all-district (’12) honorable mention all-region(’12,’13,’14) first team all-district(’13,’14) 2nd team all-county(’13,’14) Brine All American(’13) South Florida National Team(’13) Under Armour Uncommitted Team(‘14) If you have thought about what kind of college experience you are looking for please share it with us. For example; are you looking for a particular major, big school or small school, a particular athletic conference such as a NESCAC school, etc. For my college experience I would like to attend a school out of state with a large student body, and a lot of school spirit. I would like to major in either psychology or criminal justice with possibly a minor in film.
What camps, teams, clinics are on your schedule for the rest of the off season?
In the off season after Capital Cup (last summer tournament) I am going to be working with a trainer to improve my physical fitness and also visiting schools to narrow down my options.
How Would You Describe Your Game?
Humble and dauntless are two key words I would use to describe my game. In my high school career I have had the opportunity to play with many girls, younger and older. With that I have seen all different levels of talent, some of those levels being a lot higher even though their age was younger. Having the opportunity to play with great younger players taught me that I can always learn something new, or accept new advice and not to just disregard it because they are younger. Also in my high school career I have usually been the youngest player on both my travel and high school team. Being on varsity my freshman year also gave me big shoes to fill and being given huge opportunities in games by my older teammates helped me become dauntless because I had to think and adjust to uncomfortable situations in games. Having those older teammates helped me make a huge jump my freshman year into the player I wanted to become.
What Was Your First Lacrosse Experience?
My first lacrosse experience was playing on the boys team in middle school.
Who Was Your Biggest Lacrosse Influence?
My coach, Jeff Atkins, has definitely been one of my biggest influences on and off the field. Since my freshman year playing for him he has turned me into the player I’ve become. He has always been there when I needed to know my next move whether it was about committing, improving my game, or helping the team he was always there. I would not be the player I am today without him. I would also have to give credit to my two former teammates Alex pack and Erin gilded. Alex pack(senior my freshman year) always pushed me on the field and didn’t let me be the timid little freshman on varsity. She gave me confidence and unknowingly provided my with a base that I have built my lacrosse skills from. Lastly is Erin Gildea (’14) my teammate of three years and one of my best friends. I was lucky enough to have her by my side on the field the last three years. She has always been someone I look up to even though we are about the same age. Shes taught me when I’ve been in doubt about my chances of committing to never give up.
Which College/Pro Players Do You Like Watching The Most?
I enjoyed watching Northwestern’s Taylor Thornton before she graduated and also UNC’s Brittney Coppa. This past 2014 season I really enjoyed watching UNC’s Sammy Jo Tracy and also Marylands Brooke Griffin
What Is Your Lacrosse Goal For the 2015 season?
My goal for the 2015 season is to become an All-American and also lead my school team to another district championship.
What would you like your teammates to say about you?
I would like my teammates to say that I am a humble player, on and off the field. Also that I am an easy person to talk to and will help them with anything they need. I would also like them to say that I am always looking for the teams best interest, and that I do not play as an Individual.
Favorite Meal:
Sushi
Favorite TV Show:
American Horror Story
Favorite Sport Besides Lacrosse:
basketball
What Is On Your IPod/Smart Phone for Music?
Kendrick Lamar, The Front Bottoms, Two Door Cinema Club, Arcade fire, Angel Haze, OCD
What celebrity would you most like to meet?
I would most like to meet Emma Watson
What Hobby Or Interest Do You Have That Would Surprise People Who Know You?
I read mystery or fiction books to spark my imagination for filming ideas.
