Indiana University Athletics
Bowker Brings Positive Energy to Hoosiers
10/24/2013 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Oct. 24, 2013
Senior Emily Bowker grew up going to wrestling camps, since her father coached the sport. When she was in third grade the family ventured to Pennsylvania for the annual wrestling camp, but with a field hockey camp in the same area, they decided to let their daughter learn a new sport.
Her parents didn’t even officially sign her up for the camp, but at the end she made the All-Star team and thus started her field hockey career.
Bowker, a native of Beach Haven, N.J., played field hockey in middle school and high school and played with fellow senior Danielle McNally.
When she began looking at colleges, Bowker looked everywhere, but after her visit to Indiana decided to make Bloomington her home for the next four years.
Bowker has played in 67 games and started 49 games as a Hoosier. She has totaled four goals and six assists. Although she might not be the star player on the team she is a leader and helps others.
“For me it’s about being part of something bigger than myself,” she said. “I’m not the standout player and I don’t expect to be, but I can leave here being a hard worker and helping my teammates.”
IU coach Amy Robertson said what she likes most about Bowker is how positive of a person she is and the positive energy she provides for the team.
“She is such a positive person and always sees the silver lining,” Robertson said. “She wants to make a difference and is always willing to help younger players. She picks people up and people gain a lot of confidence from her.”
Robertson added that Bowker is a fun player and person to be around and can run all day and when you take her out of a game she wants to go back in immediately.
Something unique outside of field hockey is that Bowker grew up by the beach and is a surfing instructor and has taken part in competitions as well. She has traveled to Puerto Rico and once surfed waves over her head in Nicaragua when she was just 14 years old.
Bowker is a general studies major, which has allowed her to take a variety of classes, including a class about coffee and Irish dancing. After she graduates from Indiana she would like to play field hockey overseas and eventually coach college field hockey.
Bowker had never been to Bloomington before her visit, but now it is a part of her and something she shares with her teammates.
“My freshman year I came in and didn’t know what a Hoosier was,” she said. “Now I get offended when someone asked me what it is. I think the tradition has grown on me so much and I have so much pride in Indiana.”
