This is the story of Cassidy Rowe, a junior guard for the University of Kentucky women’s basketball team, whose journey is as much about the heart as it is about the hoop and started in Southeastern Kentucky where basketball is king.

Cassidy’s love affair with basketball began in the simplest of ways – in a gym, with a ball in her tiny hands at the age of three or four. Her father, Lonnie Rowe, recalls those early days with a smile, noting how basketball was not just a sport for Cassidy but a passion that shaped her life. “She never liked any other sports,” Lonnie says, “She kept a basketball with her.”

This world was tested when Cassidy faced one of the harshest adversaries any athlete can encounter – two torn ACLs. Some might have quit, but for Cassidy and her family, it was a reaffirmation of faith. “We talked and agreed that God always has a plan,” Lonnie shares. This belief, coupled with relentless hard work, saw Cassidy not only recover but also secure an offer from her dream school.

It was a moment of faith, encapsulated by her favorite scripture, 1 Corinthians 10:31, “”Well, I’ll tell you why. It is because you must do everything for the glory of God, even your eating and drinking” (TLB), which she lives by, dedicating every action to the glory of God. In fact, of all her accolades Lonnie is most proud of her being saved and joining the Caney Creek church.

Lonnie says that Cassidy never passes up a chance to spend time with family, describing her as “a very caring young lady” who loves to laugh and have a good time. He spoke on their relaitonship and how they feel comfortable talking about things. Like any father daughter, there may be disagreements but both are okay with that. His job is to support her in all she does.

Her commitment to family extends to her future as well, as she is engaged to Connor Roberts, a Wildcat alum, with wedding bells set to chime in May of 2025.

On the court, Cassidy might not be the tallest or the fastest, but she embodies the spirit of Kentucky basketball better than anyone Lonnie has ever seen. She’s a gym rat who transformed her early passion into disciplined, intense training sessions with her father.

Her academic prowess is another facet of Cassidy that should be celebrated. Graduating with a BS in Kinesiology in just two and a half years, she was accepted into UK’s PT program. She’s also made the 2023-24 CSC Academic All-District Team, 2023-24 SEC Winter Academic Honor Roll, and the 2022-23 SEC First Year Academic Honor Roll.

In her interactions with fans, Cassidy shows the same care and dedication as with her family and teammates. She makes time post-game to sign autographs and take photos, understanding her role in inspiring the next generation of Kentucky athletes.

Her deep connection to UK basketball fuels her every time she steps onto the court. Coach Kenny Brooks recognized this when he met with her, moved by her passion for Kentucky, during meetings about who should stay or transfer. He even swore when she cried, “blue tears” came out.

Cassidy Rowe is not just a player for Kentucky; she is Kentucky, through and through.