DAYTON (OH) — “You would be dumb not to come here” said Amanda when asked what she would tell a volleyball player considering UD.

What comes to mind when you think of senior volleyball player Amanda Cowdrey? I think of Amanda being a clutch, driven player. When UD beat St Louis in the 2009 A10 tournament the St Louis coach lamented that Amanda was the difference and “willed” UD to victory. Amanda holds herself and her team mates to a very high level. She almost always plays her best when the stakes are the highest.

Here is what Coach Sheffield had to say about Amanda:

Friendly, loyal, passionate. “Loves the game. Wants to get better. Everyday. We’ve known each other a long time and have gone through a lot together.”

Here are thoughts of Amanda which come to mind from the alumni and current players:

The front row has two Americans and a Canadian
Aggressive
Competitive, even though she doesn’t think so
You want to be on her team or you usually lose
I really became tired of losing to her in practice
Has your back
Feisty
Very genuine
Will always have long hair
Obsessed with Lululemon (yoga inspired athletic apparel)
Very excited about others accomplishments, more than her own
Smart player
Does impossible things
Phenomenal all around player
Very coachable

I asked Amanda, what has the experience of playing at UD meant to you?
“Playing at Dayton has given me so many wonderful opportunities with not only the volleyball aspect but with a great education and experiences as well. I have made life long friends and made unforgettable memories and would not change anything”.

How have you changed since arriving at UD?

“Dayton has impacted my life in ways that are unexplainable. The people that you surround yourself with here at Dayton are people you want to surround yourself with; friendly, trustworthy and all around good hearted people. It is almost impossible to not change in a positive way while coming to Dayton”.

Amanda was very surprised that I found a way to reach her mother who answered a couple of questions for me.

Can you tell me in one or two paragraphs what going to UD has meant to Amanda and how she has grown in that time?

“Amanda has taken so much out of her time at the University of Dayton while playing for the girl’s volleyball team. At the beginning of 2009 when Amanda began with the Flyers, she was a great volleyball player; dedicate student, and a wonderful teammate. Now, after spending 2 years at Dayton, Amanda has become an outstanding volleyball player, a brilliant student, and an amazing teammate. The constant training both on and off the courts has contributed to Amanda’s strengths with regards to volleyball and with her studies. This experience at Dayton has meant the world to Amanda. Not only does she look up to her coach and her teammates, she also has become an amazing role model for her family and friends. Dayton has shaped Amanda into an amazing, dedicated, smart individual.”

What would you tell a parent who’s daughter is considering playing for UD?

“If your son or daughter is a great athlete and has the heart and dedication to their sport then the University of Dayton is the best place to go. UD will shape each athlete into an amazing student while at the same time continuing their strengths in their sport. UD has the coaches, the teachers, the parents, and the students behind every athlete encouraging them and wanting them to succeed. Every parent wants their child to be the best they can be and at the University of Dayton, each child can achieve that.”

We will miss Amanda in so many ways on the court, her big smile after a point, great all around play and coming through in the clutch over and over.

Amanda was voted first team A10 Outside Hitter. Congrats