Hall of Fame
Janet Leonard-Rowlands attended Chowan College from 1964 to 1966 and was a versatile three-sport athlete. While at Chowan, Rowland was a driving force in establishing what is now a vibrant and growing women’s athletic program. Under Head Coach Janet Collins’ direction, she helped write the constitution for the Women’s Recreational Association which provided varsity athletics for female athletes.
Rowlands served as president of the WRA for two years while participating on the volleyball, basketball and softball teams. She served as co-captain for the volleyball squad her sophomore year while earning a Certificate of Achievement in volleyball, basketball and softball for two consecutive years. She was awarded the WRA Award after her freshman year, which is equivalent of today’s Female Athlete of the Year presentation.
Upon completion of an excellent two year career, Rowlands earned an Associate of Arts degree in pre-education and transferred to Old Dominion University. She continued to enjoy success in the classroom and on the court as a member of the basketball squad at ODU.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education and Recreation in 1969, Rowlands began a career in education that has endured for more than 30 years. Her first three years were spent at Lake Taylor High School in Norfolk, where she taught physical education and assisted with the field hockey program and basketball intramurals.
Her first coaching position came at Bayside Junior High School in Virginia Beach where she headed up the field hockey program.
In 1967, she accepted a teaching and coaching position at First Colonial High School in Virginia Beach where she taught health and physical education to grades 9 through 12 while establishing herself as one of the most successful coaches in the State of Virginia. The women’s programs that have come under her tutelage have been varsity basketball, field hockey, and soccer.
During her 11 years as head basketball coach, her teams captured two district championships, one District Runner-Up Championship and one Eastern Regional Runner-Up Championship.
Her soccer program has enjoyed tremendous success over the past 10 years and is recognized as one of the finest teams in the state. Under her guidance, the “Lady Patriots” have won eight Beach District championships and five Eastern Regional championships.
In 1993, she was presented the Virginia Beach Coaches Association Coach of the Year trophy. The following year she walked away with the Eastern Regional Coach of the Year award.
A well respected educator and coach among her peers, Rowlands has been awarded the prestigious Virginia Beach Coaches Association Championship award six times during her career.
A native of Beaufort, NC, she now resides in Virginia Beach, VA.
