Get to Know Jenny McDowell: LOVB Director of Coach Development
Jenny McDowell began coaching following a stellar undergraduate career at the University of Georgia where she was a three-time team captain, three-time all-region setter, and in 1985 was selected to play in the United States Olympic Sports Festival. McDowell became the first and only UGA volleyball player to have their number retired and in February of 2017, she was awarded UGA's prestigious Bill Hartman Award which recognizes former Georgia student-athletes who have demonstrated excellence in their profession and/or in service to others by 20 or more years of superior performance after graduation.
Jenny’s illustrious coaching career began at her alma mater, the University of Georgia, as an assistant coach, helping the Bulldogs to a 128-41 record and five NCAA Division I tournament appearances. In 1996, she took over as the head coach at Emory University, quickly elevating the team to national prominence in collegiate volleyball, where she remained a pivotal figure for nearly three decades.
Across her legendary tenure spanning nearly three decades, McDowell and her teams never missed a postseason, earning a berth to 26 consecutive NCAA tournaments – the second-longest active streak in Division III. She guided the Eagles to 21 Sweet 16s, 11 national quarterfinals, seven national semifinals, five trips to the national championship match and won two national championships in 2008 and 2018.
She finished her Emory career with 826 victories, fifth all-time in Division III history, and is one of seven Division III coaches to reach 800 career wins. Her winning percentage of .819 (826-182 overall record) stands fourth all-time in DIII history.
A quote from one of her former players, Sarah Maher:
"But beyond her coaching style and success, it is as a person where Jenny stands out above the wins. Jenny just cares. We didn't know it when we were first being recruited by her but Jenny didn't recruit just good volleyball players; she recruited young women of emerging high character who could also play volleyball and helped them develop into thinking, caring, responsible women. Jenny's high moral character, her accountability, and her high personal and athletic standards made her a role model for us. If you ask Jenny what she's most proud of with her teams, she will not talk as much about their playing skills as about who they have become in life, about former players who are doctors, attorneys, accountants, teachers, and business executives."
Now, Jenny takes this wealth of coaching knowledge and experience into her role as LOVB’s Director of Coach Development - training, motivating, inspiring and educating on our LOVB club coaches.
What’s your favorite part about your role at LOVB?
I love working with our Club Coaches and Directors. They are the hardest-working and most passionate people, coaches, and leaders in the volleyball community! They are committed to changing young people's lives, and it is an honor to support them in any way I can!
What’s your best advice for any young athlete that wants to play collegiately?
Enjoy every practice, match, and training session. Don’t look too far ahead, be where your feet are today. It is all going to work out!
What’s one of your favorite memories as a coach?
Watching my Emory setter, who didn’t play until she was a senior, lead our team to the National Championship and be named Most Valuable Player of the NCAA Tournament. She never gave up on her dream and worked relentlessly to become the best!
Looking back at your career, what are you most proud of?
Our Emory Program went to 26 straight NCAA Tournaments, which shows the hundreds of players, coaches, and staff committed to excellence who made our program what it was and still is!
What’s on the top of your bucket list?
I would love to visit New Zealand and attend the women’s finals at Wimbledon!
