Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Saluki Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1985
- Class:
- 1973
Rowlett was one of Southern Illinois University’s most versatile student-athletes, competing in tennis, basketball, volleyball and golf for SIU.
A native of Murray, Kentucky, Rowlett starred in tennis. She qualified for the United States Tennis Association Nationals in 1970 and 1972. She won the Illinois Sectional singles title in 1972 and finished as runner-up in 1970 and 1973. She also reached the singles final at the Millikin Tournament as both a junior and senior.
In basketball, Rowlett helped the Salukis win state titles in 1970 and 1971 and a fifth-place finish at the 1970 AIAW National Tournament. A three-year starter at forward, the 5-foot-7 Rowlett scored a career-high 24 points at the 1973 Midwest Regionals.
Rowlett also competed in golf and volleyball. She played golf in the spring of 1971 and was No. 3 on the women’s team. She joined the volleyball team as a junior and became a starter as a senior, leading the team in serving.
A strong student, Rowlett graduated with highest honors from SIU. She received the Dorothy Davies Award in 1973 as the program’s top physical education major.
Rowlett has coached and taught at Prophetstown (Ill.) High School, Stephens College, and Murray State. She attended graduate school at the University of Arizona (1974-76) and Iowa (1978-80). In 1985, she received an M.D. from the University of Louisville and began an affiliation with the Mayo Clinic.
