Jackson Cowx is a men’s soccer goalkeeper and team co-captain at UFV. With 12 games played in 2024-25, (as of Oct. 6) Cowx has recorded 39 saves, 5 shutouts, and 7 wins. Jackson’s 17 career Canada West wins are a new program record! What’s the best post-game meal or snack?
I don’t want my coach to read this, but probably McDonald’s. McDonald’s is a go-to. Double-quarter pounder with cheese, large fry, large chocolate shake. Just load up on the calories, but for coach’s sake, a nice salad.
Favourite city to visit during the season?
We went to Victoria during Thunderfest this year. I thought that was amazing … but my favourite I’d say is the Alberta trip. I like the flight. I like being with the whole team and getting off the plane, going through security, that kind of thing. It’s a nice atmosphere.
What kind of music do you listen to before games?
That’s kind of tough because I have a mix of different genres, nothing up tempo … probably R&B, a lot of R&B. Some of The Weeknd, maybe a little Indie music. It’s just kind of a mix of everything. I probably have 2000+ songs just in my “likes.”
Is there another sport you wish you had been good at?
Before soccer, I started baseball, and I wasn’t a huge fan back then. Being a bit older now and a little more into athletics, I really wish I’d kept playing outfield. I couldn’t swing a bat for the life of me, even now I can’t. There’s no chance. I think if I started earlier and was able to continue, I would have been decent enough.
Do you have any game day superstitions?
Off and on. A nice subway sandwich before a game … but that got put to the side. Now it’s just the usual — listen to some calming music to ease my mind — then as I’m getting ready it’s always right sock, left sock, right shoe, left shoe, right glove, left glove. It’s always right side first.
What’s your mentality as a goalie?
Obviously, you have your highs and lows. You’re not always the hero — you’re the villain sometimes. It’s a different view than a striker who scores goals. Strikers have these picture-perfect goals they want to score and I’m on the other end trying to stop that picture-perfect goal and be the hero for my team.
Favourite athlete?
Oh, that’s tough because there’s so many quality athletes around the world in different sports. I’ve been a Ronaldo guy since I was a child, but as I’ve grown into more of a goalkeeper’s vision, I’m obviously going to pick a goalkeeper as my favourite athlete. I’m gonna say Thibaut Courtois from Real Madrid. He’s my favourite. I try to take pieces of his game and put them into mine.
What’s your opinion on wearing socks and sandals?
If we’re talking about socks and sandals post-training — I understand if you don’t want to wear boots or runners — I get it. If you’re at the beach or just walking around regularly and you’re in socks and sandals … I can’t … it’s a no.
Who is the most underrated player on your team and why?
I would say Nate (Nathan) Cervo. I think he’s very underrated. He doesn’t quite get into the 18 a lot — he made an appearance early on in the season, but I believe he’s very underrated. He works hard and he’s determined. Yeah, he can mess up sometimes at practice … but I know he’ll be getting the ball back right away, and doing what he can to make up for it.
What’s your response to UFV being 25th on the U Sports Men’s Soccer Rankings (as of Sept. 11)?
I see it as a challenge. There’s definitely challenges we have faced as a team, especially last year … we struggled a little bit. But looking at it now, we have a point to prove. Being ranked low doesn’t really put any pressure on us. We know what we can do, and when we show up on the field we’re here to prove a point and that placement doesn’t symbolize us.
Q&A has been edited for length and readability.
Veronica is a Staff Writer at The Cascade. She loves to travel and explore new places, no matter how big or small. She is in her second year at UFV, pursuing the study of Creative
Writing.