From the confines of HMP Swansea to the grand stage of Euro 2025, Rachel Rowe's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. The Southampton midfielder, who has been a cornerstone of the Wales Women's Football Team since her debut in 2015, has a story that inspires many.

The Early Days

Rachel Rowe's path to professional football was far from conventional. While many players transition from college to full-time football, Rowe had to juggle multiple jobs to make ends meet. After college, she worked at B&M and later took up a role in operational support at HMP Swansea, a 160-year-old Victorian prison on Swansea Bay.

The Turning Point

In 2015, Rowe was still a semi-professional player when she earned her first cap for Wales. The opportunity to go semi-pro with Reading came while she was an apprentice in business administration with the Welsh government. Despite the grueling 300-mile round trip from Swansea to Berkshire three times a week, Rowe persevered. Her dedication paid off when Reading won the league, earning promotion to the Women's Super League (WSL).

Professional Breakthrough

The offer of a professional contract was a life-changing moment for Rowe. Although the salary was modest compared to male top-flight players, it allowed her to focus entirely on football. Reflecting on her journey, Rowe said, "It's been 10 years since [turning fully professional] which really seems strange. It's been a decade and now this happens and we're at the Euros."

Euro 2025 and Beyond

Rowe's influence with Wales has been consistent over the years. After eight years at Reading, she had spells with Rangers and Southampton, winning silverware and gaining new experiences. Named in Rhian Wilkinson's European Championship squad, Rowe is set to play a pivotal role in Wales' campaign.

Emotional Moments

Arriving in Switzerland for Euro 2025, Rowe couldn't help but feel emotional. "When we arrived here and saw the bus with all the Euros logos on it, it hit home," she said. "It was a case of gulp it down and don't get too teary because it really did feel real."

Looking Ahead

As Wales prepares to face the Netherlands in their opening match, Rowe is focused on the task at hand. "We're building towards Saturday, keeping the nerves at bay. We'd be doing ourselves an injustice if we come here, feel all of the pressure and not enjoy being here," she added.

Rachel Rowe's journey from a prison worker to a key player at Euro 2025 is a testament to her resilience and determination. Her story is not just about football but about overcoming obstacles and achieving dreams.