Bowie football star makes move from soccer pitch

AUSTIN (KXAN) – The sport of football is built on teamwork and physicality. The latter can be a tough adjustment for some.

Especially those who are coming from a different sport.

“The first scrimmage I played, I got popped,” said Rowen Wells. “It was kind of like, ‘Oh, that didn’t feel great.’ But I knew this was something I could get used to and something I liked.”

Wells loved the sport of soccer first. He was playing for fun with some friends when he got scouted by Austin FC.

He played with their academy and took online school in his freshman year until he wanted to start on a new path. Football at Bowie High School was his focus after soccer.

When he contacted Bowie head football coach Jeff Ables, the leader of the Bulldogs understandably thought about one position in particular.

“I was in Colorado when we called Coach Ables to express my interest in football. He immediately said, ‘Oh, well you’re a soccer player. Can you kick?'”

Wells had his eyes on a different position: wide receiver. With impressive footwork required to be a wide receiver, there were some transferable skills from his previous sport.

“As far as route running goes, it’s definitely a good comparison to have some previous experience with that.”

Wells is heading into his senior season with high expectations and goals of playing at the next level. He’s grown a lot in the game, but still sees so much room to develop.

“That’s what I love most about football. There’s so much to learn. It’s so deep. The second I think I’m getting close to learning all the basics, there’s just something more.”

The Bowie Bulldogs open the 2025 season Aug. 29, hosting Manor.