Rowe Estlund played for the Apple Valley Eagles in high school, where she won the Athena Award as a senior in 1991 and was included in the All-State selection in three seasons. She also played for the Minnesota Thunder Academy club team,[3] and participated in track and field, where she was a two-time All-State selection.[4] In college, she played for the Connecticut Huskies from 1991 to 1995, having redshirted during the 1994 season due to a torn ACL.[5] She was an All-American in 1995, and was named to the Big East First-Team All-Conference the same year. She was included in the ISAA National Senior Recognition Team, the NSCAA/Adidas All-Northeast Region, and the NEWISA All-New England selection in 1995. She also received the UConn Club Outstanding Senior Athlete Award in 1996. In total, she scored 22 goals and recorded 26 assists for the Huskies.[6]
Rowe Estlund made her only international appearance for the United States on January 18, 1996 in a friendly match against Ukraine. She came on as a substitute in the 81st minute for Michelle Akers, with the match finishing as a 6–0 win.[2]
Rowe Estlund was inducted into the Apple Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996.[4] She has coached youth soccer following her playing career.[9]