By Chelsea Vaughn, Media Relations Student Assistant
As little girls, many have dreamed of becoming a ballerina, or maybe even a doctor.
But not this one.
Sophomore forward Kayla McDowell knew she loved the game of basketball at a very early age. Ever since McDowell could walk, she has had a ball in her hand. Growing up she found competition right in her drive way, going against her older brothers.
Coming from a family full of athletes, McDowell was coached right at home. Her father even became her third grade basketball coach. A bond that would grow from there, McDowell described her father as her "biggest fan, coach, and supporter."
Although basketball plays a major role in her family, her parent's value for education has instilled in Kayla that basketball is much bigger than just a game. Majoring in textile apparel management with a minor in business she hopes to get in the field of interior designing to expand her love for creativity.
Growing up we all have received advice that has helped us along the way. Kayla's faith, along with the support of her family and friends, has gotten her this far in her life. She claims that the greatest piece of advice she has ever received is, "God always comes first and when you put him first everything else will fall into place."
Since the days of watching her older brother play in basketball tournaments, Kayla has been focused on finding her place on the court. Her passion has not waivered; as she now has a routine she follows throughout the season. The day before each game, she writes down the key things she needs to focus on for both offense and defense. During the national anthem she prays and gets rid of all the thoughts weighing on her mind. Appearing in 31 games and starting in eight, McDowell finished last year's season as one of the team's top three shooters.
She learned from great players last year and is recognized as a great leader in the program. McDowell sets high expectations for herself, and when presented with pressure she understands that she has to focus on the things she can control. As a player, Kayla describes herself as more consistent in her shooting and confident in her game.
Kayla has also found a sisterhood on the team. Fellow sophomores, Jordan Frericks and Sierra Michaelis, have become like sisters to McDowell. This bond was strengthened over the summer because of the time these three spent together. McDowell and her teammates were described as the most productive freshmen class since the 90s, as the three averaged averaged 19.2 points per game on 45.4-percent shooting. The trio averaged 13.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 16.9 minutes on the floor per game while committing just four turnovers each contest
During her time here at Mizzou, Kayla hopes to impact people in a positive way, build Mizzou's program and maintain healthy relationships. Sometimes she pinches herself because the feeling of wearing the black and gold can be surreal.
A growth mindset is often defined as those who are constantly opened-minded to grow and accept criticism. McDowell practices this mindset often as she encounters the several challenges of being a college athlete. Through these challenges she has learned to push through and continue to grow.
Coming from a family of six, McDowell has continued to keep her faith in God, often looking to her family for support. She enjoys the game that she knew she loved as a little girl. When asked about her favorite childhood memory, she described a time when her family traveled to Florida for her older brother's basketball tournament. Most families buy souvenirs, shirts or post cards symbolizing the time they had, but the McDowell family decided to bring back eight turtles to keep as pets.
When you think of Kayla McDowell, many things may come to mind, but most importantly, she is someone who always puts people first. Despite being sidelined by an ACL tear this season, McDowell has put her growth mindset to work and plans to contribute to the team in new and exciting ways.