Nick Cowell, Blue and Gold Earning His Grey

Nick Cowell enters his 20th season just one win shy of 250 at the Hilltop, having amassed 465 victories in a career that's spanned 36 years — a journey that's taken him from Wooster to Trinity, through Baylor and Sewanee, before finding his home at St. Edward's.

He now holds more career wins than any other active Division II women's soccer coach — along with countless memories, and more than a few grey hairs.

"It's funny — the other day I showed my team a picture of me when I first arrived, and they didn't even recognize me," Cowell jokes. "When I got here, the team was all over the place. It needed some structure, discipline, and organization. We went from zero to 60 in like three seconds, made the NCAA Tournament, and won 17 games — and never looked back. Every single one of my players has invested in my grey hair."

Cowell has guided the program to sustained success on the field — but says he measures his wins by something more enduring: the growth of the young women he coaches.

"The overall quality of the program is not going to be judged by wins, losses, and championships, but by the impact these women will have on society after graduation," he says. "A program should stand for unity and the development of individuals on and off the field, and I believe we've done a good job of that."

St. Edward's women's soccer will celebrate that legacy on Alumnae Night, Saturday, September 27, when they host St. Mary's in the Battle of the Saints under the new lights at Lewis-Chen Family Field. The program hopes to welcome back many of the women who have taken the field under Cowell over the past two decades.
 
BAILEY WILLIAMS and KATIE FITZPATRICK Take Their Turn at Leadership

Before the school year began, Cowell sent a message to the parents of his incoming first-years.

"I explained to them — this is a partnership. We're trying to make more resilient young leaders, and we're going to treat them with respect, but we're also going to push them out of their comfort zone," Cowell says. "My job is to help create strong leaders after graduation. Soccer is just the vehicle we use to do it."

This year, the women's soccer team has named seniors BAILEY WILLIAMS and KATIE FITZPATRICK as team captains — showing the newest players what that development looks like in action.

Williams says her experiences at St. Edward's — meeting people from around the world, participating in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Young Life, and the consistent support from Cowell — have prepared her for the role.

"I want to be a good leader for everyone, creating an environment where we can grow and thrive," Williams says. "I realize people are going to expect more of me, which made me prepare for the season in ways I haven't in previous years. It's different when you're stepping into a leadership role. I'm prepared for it."

Fitzpatrick credits the leadership from her own freshman year for helping her find her footing — especially through a difficult setback.

"Coming into my freshman year, I was a little timid. But my teammates helped me fit in almost immediately," Fitzpatrick recalls. "They were great in helping me through adversity after I tore my ACL. It made me stronger because I learned all aspects of the game — being on the sidelines, watching, figuring out how to support the team in other ways. I still talk to that senior group."

Fitzpatrick says that while the title of "captain" carries responsibility, leadership is a shared effort within this year's group.

"I still have to earn my spot like everyone else. There's a little extra weight on my shoulders — being that messenger relaying things between coaches and players," she says. "But this is a good group of girls who all want to be there for each other. We have a strong leadership team that leans on each other's strengths to build chemistry. Captain is just a title."
 
Nick Cowell may be closing in on 250 wins at the Hilltop, but he's always kept the bigger picture in focus. With leaders like Williams and Fitzpatrick continuing that legacy, it's clear: this program isn't just about soccer. It's about growth, resilience, and preparing young women to lead far beyond the field.