Fowler began her illustrious career as a champion shot putter at Northeastern University, where she was a nine-time All-American. Her career as a student-athlete peaked when she won the 1982 AIAW (the NCAA's predecessor) National Outdoor title. Fowler remains the record holder in the shot put at Northeastern with a mark of 53-11.

During her collegiate career at Northeastern, Fowler was named an alternate in the shot put on the 1980 United States Olympic team. She competed internationally for the United States at the 1981 World University Games in Romania and at the 1981 Pan Pacific Games in New Zealand.

The Brookline, Mass., native earned a bachelor's degree in physical education from Northeastern in 1983.