Zenawi Bowen, the Thomas College freshman, is making big strides in the North Atlantic Conference.

The 19-year-old North Village and Bermuda Under-20 utility player has scored five goals so far this term for the Maine-based Terriers, including a brace in a 7-1 demolition of New England College last weekend, which earned him conference NAC Men’s Soccer Rookie of the Week accolades.

“It feels good to win this award and the hard work is finally paying off,” said Bowen, who also had two assists in his team’s triumph at New England College on Sunday in what was a rematch of last year’s NAC Championship game.

“This is my first time getting this award and it’s an honour because out of all the rookies in the conference I got rookie of the week, which has boosted my confidence.”

Bowen has gone from strength to strength since recovering from injury.

“I have been fighting a groin injury for the whole season but I’m finally getting back to full recovery and being able to play without getting hurt,” Bowen said.

Bowen, the grandson of late Young Men’s Social Club player Mel Bowen, feels right at home playing in the No 9 position.

“I was playing striker for Village back at home, so it is not nothing new,” Bowen, who represented Bermuda at the Concacaf Under-20 Championship in Costa Rica in February, said. “I was playing centre back for the squad [Bermuda] but I prefer playing striker.

“I’ve been switching around a bit because of my injury. I played a few games at centre back and at the beginning of the season I was playing midfield. The level over here is pretty decent.”

Bowen and his team-mates are in action on Sunday when his team host Maine Maritime Academy in the conference quarter-finals at Smith Field.