Team camaraderie consistently has been a strength of the Mercer Island Islanders softball program for the past several seasons.

The Islanders, who have started off the 2019 season with a sluggish 0-3 start, aren’t going to let lack of victories in early season action have an adverse effect on their approach to the game. Mercer Island senior shortstop Emily Rowe is one of the program’s most boisterous leaders. Mercer Island head coach Amanda Mattocks, who is in her first season as head coach after spending the previous four seasons as an assistant coach, is a huge fan of Rowe’s mode of operation on and off the field.

“I really appreciate Emily because she not only leads us in the field but she leads the team vocally too. She lets everyone know how many outs there are, where to throw the ball and gives directions when it needs to be said. It is almost like she is a third coach on our field. That is huge and has been really helpful,” Mattocks said.

Rowe said the softball team is composed of a wide array of different personalities across the spectrum.

“We all come from different age and friend groups in the school. It is really fun for us to get to know each other. I think that makes our bond way stronger than other sports teams because we are all so different,” Rowe said. “Softball isn’t only a tough physical sport, you have to be mentally tough. That brings us all together because we are all dealing with the same things every day.”

Rowe thoroughly enjoys playing in the middle of the infield from the shortstop position.

“It is really fun and I really enjoy it. Most of the girls on the team are freshmen so it’s really cool being one of the older players and a role mode figure to all of these younger girls. It is fun to relate to them even though we are so far apart in age difference,” Rowe said.

Recently the Mercer Island Reporter had an opportunity to ask Rowe some questions about her life away from the softball field.

Mercer Island Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Emily Rowe: I really like “Top Gun.” I think it is just really interesting to watch.

MIR: If you could pick one person to go to dinner with, who would it be?

ER: It would probably be my sister Maddy. She is my best friend.

MIR: What is your favorite hobby away from sports?

ER: I love being outside. I love going to the beach and swimming in the ocean.

MIR: Who was your favorite sports team growing up?

ER: The University of Washington Huskies (athletic programs). I like any of their teams in all sports.

MIR: Where do you see yourself in five years?

ER: Just graduated from college. I hope to be working in some type of job in the business field area.