Rick Sowell '86 | Washington College

Rick Sowell '86

Major: History

After spending 28 years coaching college lacrosse (20 as a head coach, most notably at The Naval Academy), I am currently the Boys Lacrosse Director at The St. James Sports Complex in Springfield, Va. I run camps, clinics and leagues for boys/men of all ages, youth-adult. Also, this fall, we plan to start a Club/Travel lacrosse program.

Favorite Professor

Dr. Goodfellow . . . .for the first time in my life, I was able to take a Black history course. Dr. Goodfellow was an excellent professor, very passionate. I wrote my thesis on the Underground Railroad because of him.

Fondest WC Memory

For those people who followed WC lacrosse back in the mid-80s they might think our win over Hobart in '85, when I scored five goals, including the game winner in overtime, for our first win ever against the Statesmen and stopping their 42 or 44 game winning streak (against Division III opponents), might be it. But my fondest WC memory was the year before that in '84 when we beat Salisbury. One of their players said some things that led to an on-field altercation. The reaction by my teammates after I told them what was said once I got to our timeout huddle is an experience I will never forget. What was a close game turned into a blowout win for us! During that game, we went from teammates to brothers and remain the best of friends (many of us), to this day.

Let’s Hear It for the Liberal Arts

My coaching career gave me the opportunity to work at institutions such as Dartmouth College, Georgetown University, and the United States Naval Academy among others, and thanks to WC I was prepared for it. Not only did I learn to write (at least a little better) and think, in some cases outside of the box, but I also learned to be accountable. There was nowhere to hide in the small classroom setting, and I needed that type of learning environment.

Advice

Make sure accountability and responsibility are included in your character traits.