We are continuing to celebrate women across our community who have been a part of helping to #BreakTheBias by being some of Norwich School's 'firsts'. Today, we caught up with Old Norvicensian Lauren Rowe, our first female Lower School Captain.

Tell us a bit about your role in our School community?

I joined Norwich School in 2009 as one of the first girls in the Lower School and went on to be the first female Lower School Captain. During my time at Norwich School, I was always heavily involved in sports teams and clubs, alongside being involved in groups such as the Charities Committee in the Senior School. I was a school prefect in U6, as well as being Captain of the Girls’ 1st XI Hockey Team.

What are your hopes for the future?

I’m currently studying psychology in the United States at Northeastern University, and I hope to go on and get my Master’s in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Loughborough after I complete my bachelor’s degree. After that I hope to get a role within sports, either coaching or in a sports psychology role. I also hope to keep playing hockey at highest level possible for as long as I can, I hope to travel to different places to play and experience different playing styles. The next place on my list is Australia and I plan to go for a season after finishing my bachelor’s degree.

Are there any inspirational female figures you particularly look up to and why?

The first inspirational female figure I look up to is my mum, she demonstrates what it means to be a strong and powerful woman and I look up to her and everything she has achieved. She is incredibly supportive of my ambitions and encourages me to push boundaries that may be uncomfortable but highly beneficial. The second inspirational female figure I look up to is Serena Williams, as she has paved the way for many female athletes and made history in sport. Serena has proved herself to be an incredible athlete, showing great perseverance and determination. But her work off the court is also incredibly inspiring, she works hard to advocate for females in sport, fighting to close the gender pay gap whilst also promoting a positive body image for female athletes.

Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?

International Women’s Day is incredibly important to celebrate all the amazing women that have come before us and created the opportunities we have today as females in this world. There is still so much work to be done though, so this day serves as a reminder that it is important to continue this work to close the gender gap across all aspects of life.

What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of being awarded my scholarship to study and play here in the United States. This opportunity has allowed me to continue my higher education in an amazing city, live in a different culture, at the same time as travelling all over the country playing hockey and competing at a high standard. As a freshman I finished the season tied first in the CAA conference with goals (16, the most ever scored by a Northeastern freshman), led the team in assists (11) and placed first in the league in points (43). I was a two-time CAA Rookie of the Week and the first-ever Northeastern Rookie to earn conference Player of the Week honours, at the end of the season I was named Rookie of the Year in 2019. Since then, I have been named to the All-CAA First Team and the NFHCA Northeast All-Region First Team for three consecutive seasons. Covid has interrupted the last two playing seasons, but I hope to be able to lead the Northeastern field hockey team to more honours in my final two years, now I have been named a Captain of the team. It has been an amazing experience so far and it is something I am very grateful to have been given the chance to do.

What one piece of advice would you give to our female pupils?

Surround yourself with people that want the best for you and that can help you achieve your goals. Find something that really interests you and see where it can take you, and if you want to achieve something don’t let anyone’s words or actions stand in the way of that. Remember, failure is an experience and a learning opportunity. Be persistent. Be strong.