Ian Stowe Tribute
By Junior Board Members, Sam Escorcia and Zach Overstreet
Ian Stowe was much more than a coach. He was a peer, mentor, and friend to many. As we mourn his loss, we are reminded of his consistent selflessness and positive attitude. Ian brought out the best in us. It is difficult to imagine a life without someone who made everyone excited about theirs. His ability to inspire and transpire change is what made him special and an everlasting imprint on the lives of others.
Ian’s life was unfortunately short lived but packed with an outstanding amount of perseverance. Through his commitment and passion for soccer, Ian was a member of the soccer community in Virginia starting at the young age of nine with FC Richmond and eventually played at The College of William and Mary from 2007-2011, where he would be individually recognized as 2007 All-Metro and All-Region Player of the Year in addition to 2010 CAA Regular Season and Conference Champions. Ian’s soccer career was nothing short of impressive but his ability to combine his passion for soccer and his passion of helping others is what truly made him an outstanding member of the soccer community. His ability not only derives from passion, but also experience. Coming right out of college, Ian’s life took a drastic turn. He was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2012 and Ian described this experience as “hitting rock bottom.” This experience was undoubtedly a tough battle where he had to fight for his life. This grasp with possible fatality is what Ian described as his turning point. He chose rebuilding and redemption over retaliation and anger. He learned that life is extremely precious but equally unpredictable. Moving forward, this further developed Ian’s remarkable mentality to love others, cherish every moment, and never take anything for granted.
Ian devoted his life to the beautiful game and changed it forever for so many players. As a coach he had a special connection with all of his players. He not only made them better players, but also better people. Ian’s humble attitude and loving personality will live on with us forever. We must carry on his legacy and spread love and joy to one another.
