Tendler on Downing: “D is the emotional leader of our team. She is the glue that brings our players together everyday in practice and in matches. D will lead us with her defensive intensity and spark us with her improved offensive skills.”
2005: Saw action in all 32 matches, starting 26 ... Led the Phoenix as a co-captain ... Third on the team with 231 digs ... Posted 175 kills and 57 total blocks ... Tallied a career-high 13 kills against Charlotte on Sept. 27 ... Recorded a career-high 16 digs against Wofford on Nov. 17.
2004: Played in every match, starting 20, while serving as co-captain ... Recorded season-high 13 digs in back-to-back matches against East Tennessee State on Oct. 8 and Chattanooga on Oct. 9 ... Also notched a season-high 11 kills against ETSU ... Registered a career-high three aces against UNC Wilmington ... Earned the Coach’s Award.
2003: Saw time in 22 matches, starting four ... Recorded 73 kills and 34 blocks ... Tallied 55 digs ... Crushed a season-high 12 kills against East Tennessee State on Nov. 15 ... Posted a career-high five total blocks versus UNC Wilmington on Sept. 5 ... Notched a season-high 12 digs against Chattanooga (11/14/03).
High School: Selected to the first team all-area, the first team all-county and the First Team All-State Florida Class 6A as a senior ... Led her team to a 34-1 record and a state championship ... Named among “Super 6” players of South Florida by Sun-Sentinel ... Selected to the all-conference team as a junior ... Played for the Palm Beach Volleyball Academy.
Personal: Full name is Emily Grace Downing ... Born Feb. 23, 1985 ... Emily is the daughter of Jack and Kristy Downing ... Majoring in communications.
OFF THE COURT WITH EMILY:
Favorite Snack:
Chips and salsa
Favorite Movie:
Dirty Dancing
Dream Job:
Event coordinator for professional sports team
Most Prized Posession:
Scruffy - my stuffed doggy and a ring from my daddy
