Former Red Raider Dowdy Named Newcomer Of The Year
November 21, 2014 | Women's Volleyball
Amanda Dowdy, pictured here in 2011, was named the AVP Beach Volleyball Newcomer of the Year, on Tuesday.
COSTA MESA, Calif. -- Former Texas Tech volleyball star Amanda Dowdy was named the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) Beach Volleyball Newcomer of the Year on Tuesday.
In her first year on the AVP, Dowdy partnered with Olympian Nicole Branagh and showed why she is a rising star on the Tour. The pair finished outside the top ten in only one event, collecting four fifth-place finishes and two ninths. A force at the net, Dowdy collected 64 blocks and a 1.16 blocks/game average, putting her third among the women.
"It is a humbling honor to receive Newcomer of the Year," Dowdy said. "A huge part of this goes to my teammate, Nicole Branagh. She pushed me to play at the highest level and expected nothing less than my best. I am very thankful for her mentorship, and this accomplishment would not be a reality without her. I'm also very thankful for the opportunities I had this year on the AVP, and for all the support I had behind me. I am excited to continue this growth as an athlete and to come out even stronger for the 2015 season."
Dowdy was a member of the Red Raider volleyball program from 2008-11, and remains the only two-time first team All-Big 12 honoree in school history.
Dowdy's name can still be found all over the Texas Tech volleyball record book, as she still ranks second in school history in career kills, with 1,495, among other single-match school records, including most kills in a match (37, vs. Colorado, 2010).
Established in 1983, the AVP produces, markets and distributes volleyball events worldwide, including the popular AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour. While promoting family-oriented events and supporting a healthy lifestyle, the AVP is best known for its world-class athletes, who have won numerous Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in the Olympic games.
Congrats to all the AVP winners last night! a very special CONGRATS to @Amanda_Dowdy on her very well deserved Newcomer of the Year Award.
- Nicole Branagh (@NicoleBranagh) November 19, 2014