Sports News
Royal Profile
photo by Scott Streble
Name: Matt Rowley Year: Senior Sport: Baseball
“You do not have to be a Division I athlete to be tremendously successful; in fact, the supportive, developmental environment at Bethel may take athletes to a higher level than if they were somewhere else. Athletes can build confidence continuously over weeks, months, and years by feeling supported in all areas of their lives, not just track and field. If the focus is on the right areas, then the environment is right for significant personal improvement to happen.” —Andrew Rock, men’s and women’s track and field, first season Read the full interview with Coach Rock at bethelroyals.com
Hometown: Minnetonka, Minn. Major: Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Who’s your biggest inspiration, and why? This one goes to my family—all of them! My dad has played a huge role in my life, training me to be a “knight”: accepting responsibility, leading courageously, rejecting passivity, and expecting the greater reward. My mom has given me wisdom, and throughout my whole life has pointed me to what the Bible says. It has proven to be the truest guide. My brother Dave has shown me the greatest courage in life and has been an example that I’ve always hoped to follow closely while growing up. Another inspiration for me is the guys on the team who give it their all at every practice even when they don’t get much playing time. Seeing them work with all their heart inspires me to do the same and give them my best! How do you find motivation before each game? Before each game I remember that I have dedicated every game that I play to the Lord. My trust is in Him. I know I cannot guarantee the outcome of the game, but I can promise that I will get out there, have fun, and do my best! I think of Proverbs 16:3, “Commit whatever you do to the Lord and your plans will succeed.” I always try to pray with my parents before the games, too.
You’ve been touted as a prospect for the upcoming draft. Would you like to go pro? Having the chance to play professional baseball has always been a dream of mine. My grandpa’s uncle told him before I was even born that I would play right field for the Minnesota Twins. I still don’t know quite what to think of that! Right now, I’m planning to start working at Intereum in Plymouth, Minn., helping as an account specialist with various healthcare companies. You’re a two-time AllMIAC Player, the 2012 MIAC MVP, and an ABCA/ Rawlings All-American. With that said, what, in your mind, has been your biggest accomplishment? My biggest accomplishment has been helping others desire to get to know God better through my life. Whether it was through the way I played baseball or in anything else I did, anyone who chose to walk closer with the Lord as a result was my biggest accomplishment! I try to keep an eternal perspective as much as possible. James 4:14 says that we “are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanish.” This life is a blink of an eye. photo by Scott Streble
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