August 25, 2026
Having immersed himself in many activities while at Hampden-Sydney, Owen Renfrow ’27 has shown himself to be a natural leader.
When it came to choosing a college, Owen knew exactly what he was looking for: small class sizes, the opportunity to compete as a student-athlete on the Hampden-Sydney Swim team while staying actively involved in campus life, and a liberal arts education that challenged him through engaging, well-rounded coursework. At Hampden-Sydney, he found all of that—as well as a place where he could thrive personally.
“I wanted to be a student-athlete while also experiencing everything college has to offer,” Owen says. “The fact that I can pursue everything I'm passionate about—and that it's all still manageable—is something I really love.”
Leadership has become a defining part of Owen’s college experience. Inspired by his great-uncle, a former naval pilot whom he has long admired, Owen joined the Army ROTC program while also serving as part of the Hampden-Sydney Swim team, president of the German Club, and a member of Chi Phi fraternity, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Cole Renfrow ’25. Through these leadership roles and campus involvements, he has enhanced his leadership abilities while learning how to lead by example on and off the Hill.
“Hampden-Sydney has taught me there's more than one way to achieve a goal and lead, and I think that's an important life lesson,” Owen says. “Not everyone is the same, but there are many ways to approach success.”
Beyond his leadership roles on campus, Owen has also served as an assistant swim coach for Prince Edward Middle and High School. After running into Howard Associate Professor of Rhetoric and Director of the Rhetoric Program Jacob Euteneuer at a Hampden-Sydney Football tailgate in 2025, Owen learned of an opening for an assistant coach at Prince Edward. Since accepting the position, he has been responsible for developing training schedules, coaching at meets, and mentoring student-athletes—work he has found especially rewarding and looks forward to continuing.
“I’ve really enjoyed it, and it’s truly been a blessing,” Owen says. “Spending time with these students has been a pleasure and seeing how much they improved throughout the season was incredibly rewarding. I’m very grateful to Dr. Euteneuer for letting me know about the opportunity.”
Owen's devotion also extends into the classroom and through his interest in German. Having pursued a minor in the language, he enjoys the challenge of learning new topics and finds the process rewarding, saying, “Although learning a new language can be a challenge, who doesn't like a good challenge?”
Owen's leadership journey is only just beginning. Upon graduation, he will serve as an officer in the Army National Guard, with aspirations of one day becoming a lobbyist. Guided by the lessons and experiences he gained at Hampden-Sydney, Owen will continue to strengthen his leadership abilities and serve others wherever his career leads.