The Conwell Tradition: From Gridiron to the Pitch
August 28, 2019 | Men's Soccer
By Jack Larkin
Andrew Conwell began his redshirt senior year on the University of Washington men's soccer team the same way it always goes. Team meetings begin, summer workouts follow, and then media day.
But there was one difference this time around.
Conwell decided to switch numbers to 82.
"Before this year, I never switched from 25 because I wanted to stick with my one number and make it mine," said Conwell. "Then the coaches asked us if we wanted to change when we switched to Adidas.
"I was sitting there, and I thought it would be cool to do a shout out to my dad because he's been a huge motivator in my life, and I respect him and all his hard work to play at UW and professionally."
Andrew's father, Ernie, clearly knows what it takes to succeed in athletics. He was a Husky legend in football and track, earning All-Pac-10 honors his senior year on the gridiron and twice earning All-America honors in the shot put in track and field. In his senior year, he hauled in 24 receptions for 343 yards and two touchdowns. In 1996, he was drafted by the St. Louis Rams, and had a ten-year NFL career resulting in an All-Pro selection, two NFC titles, and a Super Bowl victory.
"Being a former athlete, I know you can't make someone into something they're not. No one had to make you go out and work," said Ernie. "He would be in the backyard for hours and hours kicking the ball and driving the neighbors nuts."
Andrew has the same drive that it takes to be successful in an athletic career as his dad. But that's not the only commonality between them.
Despite growing up outside of Washington State, Andrew always had a passion for UW.
"He was born in St Louis and lived a lot in Nashville," said Ernie. "So, for him to never lose that Husky pride, it was awesome."
"UW was always my dream school, growing up," said Andrew. "I always knew the stories that my dad played football for the Dawgs and I wanted to go to UW to play football.
"As I grew up I leaned more towards soccer. I had to eventually make a decision to play soccer, so I stuck with that choice."
It turned out to be a career-altering decision that would lead Andrew to wearing the same purple and gold as his father at his top choice university.
So, when Andrew decided to switch his number for his last year playing for the Huskies, it was truly impactful.
"That made me extremely proud when I saw him send that picture. The entire family was excited," said Ernie. "It's pretty awesome he chose to do that to honor the heritage."
For Andrew, it was a no-brainer to honor his dad this way.
"He just loves me for me and wants me to be happy doing whatever I love to do," said Andrew. "Not once did he ever try to push me towards one thing or another. He supported me through anything and everything that I've been interested in. I wanted to continue the family tradition. It was a goal to continue and be a part of the UW culture, and this was a great way to do it."
As Andrew enters his final season wearing purple and gold on the field, he recognizes how great his experience has been at UW.
"It's my dream school. It's a real honor to be able to represent the Dawgs these past four years," said Andrew. "We have a really special staff. They pick guys that fit into the culture. I've never been on teams that come together as friends as here. I've really enjoyed it."
"It's just great to see the Husky athletic department back to where it should be with a spirit of excellence around the entire department," said Ernie. "The athletic director has done a great job making each program fantastic. All sports seem to have a great backing and are performing well.
"It really is a great time to be a Husky."
Andrew Conwell began his redshirt senior year on the University of Washington men's soccer team the same way it always goes. Team meetings begin, summer workouts follow, and then media day.
But there was one difference this time around.
Conwell decided to switch numbers to 82.
"Before this year, I never switched from 25 because I wanted to stick with my one number and make it mine," said Conwell. "Then the coaches asked us if we wanted to change when we switched to Adidas.
"I was sitting there, and I thought it would be cool to do a shout out to my dad because he's been a huge motivator in my life, and I respect him and all his hard work to play at UW and professionally."
Andrew's father, Ernie, clearly knows what it takes to succeed in athletics. He was a Husky legend in football and track, earning All-Pac-10 honors his senior year on the gridiron and twice earning All-America honors in the shot put in track and field. In his senior year, he hauled in 24 receptions for 343 yards and two touchdowns. In 1996, he was drafted by the St. Louis Rams, and had a ten-year NFL career resulting in an All-Pro selection, two NFC titles, and a Super Bowl victory.
"Being a former athlete, I know you can't make someone into something they're not. No one had to make you go out and work," said Ernie. "He would be in the backyard for hours and hours kicking the ball and driving the neighbors nuts."
Andrew has the same drive that it takes to be successful in an athletic career as his dad. But that's not the only commonality between them.
Despite growing up outside of Washington State, Andrew always had a passion for UW.
"He was born in St Louis and lived a lot in Nashville," said Ernie. "So, for him to never lose that Husky pride, it was awesome."
"UW was always my dream school, growing up," said Andrew. "I always knew the stories that my dad played football for the Dawgs and I wanted to go to UW to play football.
"As I grew up I leaned more towards soccer. I had to eventually make a decision to play soccer, so I stuck with that choice."
It turned out to be a career-altering decision that would lead Andrew to wearing the same purple and gold as his father at his top choice university.
So, when Andrew decided to switch his number for his last year playing for the Huskies, it was truly impactful.
"That made me extremely proud when I saw him send that picture. The entire family was excited," said Ernie. "It's pretty awesome he chose to do that to honor the heritage."
For Andrew, it was a no-brainer to honor his dad this way.
"He just loves me for me and wants me to be happy doing whatever I love to do," said Andrew. "Not once did he ever try to push me towards one thing or another. He supported me through anything and everything that I've been interested in. I wanted to continue the family tradition. It was a goal to continue and be a part of the UW culture, and this was a great way to do it."
As Andrew enters his final season wearing purple and gold on the field, he recognizes how great his experience has been at UW.
"It's my dream school. It's a real honor to be able to represent the Dawgs these past four years," said Andrew. "We have a really special staff. They pick guys that fit into the culture. I've never been on teams that come together as friends as here. I've really enjoyed it."
"It's just great to see the Husky athletic department back to where it should be with a spirit of excellence around the entire department," said Ernie. "The athletic director has done a great job making each program fantastic. All sports seem to have a great backing and are performing well.
"It really is a great time to be a Husky."
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