Rowan Edson: a look at CU’s freshman phenom

Rowan Edson spins around a Denver defender (photo by Tripp Mauldin/Sko Buffs Sports)

Just outside of New York City lies a small town, the town of Chappaqua. It is mainly known for being a home to former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary, but to CU lacrosse fans, it is known for being the home of the freshman phenom Rowan Edson. 

Before becoming a phenomenal lacrosse player for the Buffs, Edson distinguished herself as a great athlete. She attended Horace Greeley High School, where she played soccer and lacrosse. Among other honors she earned in her high school career, she was twice selected for New York State First Team All-League, as well as earning herself a spot on the U18 US Developmental Team. 

The college game is a lot different than the high school game. Those who are successful at the college level have to adjust their style to fit the higher level of play. 

“I mean, going against our defense, it’s one of the best, so it was definitely tough,” said Edson when asked about changes she has had to make. “But I think just learning to protect your stick and be aware of your surroundings was really important.” 

These changes are working very well for her as Edson has already put up 24 goals and 5 assists on the season, with the NCAA Championship Tournament still on the horizon. 

“I think for her, just that versatility component and belief,” said head coach Ann Elliot Whidden. “I think coming in, there are so many different skills that she brings to the table for us that make her a great fit on the offensive end.” 

As a lacrosse offense is constantly moving, it is critical for a good offensive player to have the versatility to play from all parts of the offensive side of the field. Whether that is playing right wing GLE, X, or left wing up top, players seldom stay in the same spot for the whole play.

“But I think just coming in and playing with confidence is a huge thing,” Whidden said. “That’s not easy to do your freshman year. I think even if you have the whole skill set, you’re [still] entering a new team with experienced players. But her confidence in herself and her ability to just focus on the moment and play in it has really allowed her to develop and make an impact for us.” 

And make an impact she has, as not only has she started for the Buffaloes in 16 games this season, but she has also contributed to the team in critical, high-stress moments. One such moment was when she scored the overtime game-winner against Jacksonville. 

“I think for Rowan, it’s really been just that adapting, like growing up fast,” Whidden said. “...At the end of her freshman fall, we were like, ‘Ok, you pretty much have to have the mindset of being a sophomore as we head into this season.’” 

Throughout her season, she has grown into that mindset. Edson’s first goal of the season didn’t come until the Buffs’ third game against Towson, but her career-high in goals came in the Buffs’ last regular-season game against Arizona State, where she recorded six goals. 

This showed the effect that experience and adaptability can have on a collegiate career.

 “Coming in as a freshman, I think a lot of the time you just don’t have the same game experience at this level as other people, but you're asked to play like it,” Whidden said. 

Now looking back at the season, this Buffaloes team has been one for the records, winning the first Big 12 title in the program’s history. They’re now hoping to break more records at the NCAA tournament. 

“It means a lot to wear black and gold,” Edson said. “...I'm proud to represent this team because everybody’s values are the same, everything we stand for means a lot to everybody and we all take pride in that.” 

As most athletes have heard in their careers, there is no I in team. A team is a complicated mechanism of moving parts, and each part is important, as without every part working in harmony, the machine isn’t at its full potential. 

Over the season, Edson has proved to be a harmonious part of the Colorado machine. With CU losing leading goal scorers Maddie Shoup and Lily Assini this offseason, it is important that this Colorado team has as many harmonized parts as possible. Edson appears to be one of the main parts that the team can build around for its future.