Catherine Dowgwillo, University of Dallas, Volleyball

CATHERINE DOWGWILLO OF THE UNIVERSITY OF DALLAS, a sophomore middle blocker and outside hitter on the women's volleyball team, has been selected the SCAC Character & Community Female Student-Athlete-of-the-Week for the week ending November 10, 2013.

A two-year letterwinner and starter on the volleyball team, Dowgwillo shows a strong devotion to her craft on the court, while also maintaining a 3.89 grade point average. Additionally, she finds time to give back to the community.

In the 2013 season, Dowgwillo’s Top 20 SCAC rankings include 63 block-assists (10th), 70 total blocks (10th) and seven block-solos (16th). Additionally, her 146 kills and 46 assists rank fourth, respectively, on Dallas.

Dowgwillo noted leadership skills gained through volleyball have positively translated into a number of facets of her life.

She received the University of Dallas Presidential Scholarship, and it is no surprise she made the Dean’s List for fall 2012 and spring 2013.

“Academic success is not optional, it is mandatory,” Dowgwillo said. “I hold myself to a certain standard, and expect everyone else to do the same.”

With this mindset, the Business major wants to pursue education as well.

“I thoroughly enjoy helping people learn and study,” Dowgwillo said. “I feel like this translates into possibly pursuing education. My dream job is to be the boss, whether it is climbing to the top of the corporate ladder, opening my own small business, teaching, or even all three.”

After the completion of her freshman campaign, she landed an internship at the Missouri Botanical Gardens, while also keeping a job at Bed Bath and Beyond in summer 2013. Additionally, she participates in campus life as a member of the Rotaract club, and is an accounting tutor.

Off campus, Dowgwillo volunteers at the church she attends -- organizing fundraising events -- and has attended a yearly mission trip to Nicaragua since 2007.

During these trips, she has visited hospitals and schools, distributed clothing, painted, landscaped and made a number of friends along the way.

“This trip is very near and dear to my heart,” Dowgwillo said. “Having attended for six years, I have been able to see children grow-up as they make a better life for themselves, and I could not ask for a better blessing."