Florida State University Athletics
Florida State Athletics Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2023
When Kelly Rowland signed with Florida State in 2003 out of Wallingford, Pa., she could not have known what was in store for her during her four-year career as a Seminole.
Rowland joined FSU, then one of the nation's up-and-coming programs, as they were coming off a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament. She made her debut as a starter as a freshman in 2003 and, while defender, scored six goals with four assists. Rowland was named a First-Team Freshman All-American, was an ACC All-Tournament selection, and led the Seminoles to the College Cup for the first time in school history that same season. As a sophomore, she earned Second-Team All-America honors in 2004 and was a first team All-American as a senior in 2006. She is still the most prolific scoring defender in school history with double-digit points in each of her four seasons.
Rowland's dominance on the field was a big factor in FSU's growth into a national powerhouse with the first three College Cup appearances in school history coming during her career. The two-time All-ACC and three-time All-ACC Tournament team selection started each of the 96 games she played in as a Seminole and ranks in the top-25 for career goals, assists and points while totaling eight game-winning goals. Rowland led the Seminoles to 67 wins with more than half coming by shutout. She received the ultimate testament of respect from her teammates when she was voted team captain in her junior and senior seasons.
