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This page is dedicated to a former USA Volleyball National teammate of Ruth N. Nelson and Flo Hyman. Nelson felt it appropriate to dedicate one of Flo Hyman pages since Patty was one of the original group at the first full-time Olympic Training Center, which was located in Pasadena, Texas. Patty was always a positive role model for our US National Team and countless others in the EPU community, always an inspiration with her energy, love, and passion for the sport. God bless you, Patty, and your family... You have been taken way too soon. 11/10/2025
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*This Olympic Training Center was established with Mary Jo Peppler, Marilyn McReavy, EPU, USA Volleyball and Mayor Harrison of Pasadena, Texas. At the time, MJ, Marilyn, Pat Zartman were coaching and thanks to the funding from Bob and Shorty Lindsey (Wichtia, Texas) hired the first full-time Head Coach Dr. Arie Selinger.
Remembering Patty Dowdell 🌟
I first met Patty when I moved to Houston to play for EPU, coached by the legendary Olympians Mary Jo Peppler and Marilyn McReavy. Patty was already a force in volleyball an all-around player who shone at Texas Lutheran College (TLC) under the great Susan Duke, who led TLC to national championships with the talented Corbelli sisters—Lee, Leslie, and Laurie.
During the 1970s, TLC and Sul Ross were among the most remarkable volleyball powers in Texas, and Patty’s name was always synonymous with excellence, determination, and leadership. We later shared the court as part of the original USA National Training Team in Pasadena, Texas, an experience that remains one of my fondest memories.
After representing the USA Olympic Team in 1980—a team that never got its full Olympic moment due to the boycott—Patty joined me again, first as a player with the Dallas Belles of Major League Volleyball, and later as my assistant coach at the University of Iowa.
I’ll never forget our time at EPU—especially those defensive drills when Marilyn, Lucy, and I were brave (or maybe crazy!) enough to dig Patty’s powerful hits. We survived—and became better players because of her.
Our paths crossed again when I had the honor of presenting Flo Hyman’s induction into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. As always, we shared laughter, stories, and gratitude for the incredible journey we all experienced in those early years of women’s volleyball.
Patty lived life with passion, purpose, and heart—giving her all in everything she did. I’ll always cherish the memories of traveling together in that old EPU Volkswagen van donated by Al Stokes Volkswagen of Houston—those were truly special times.
May she rest in peace, surrounded by her former teammates, players, and loved ones. Her spirit and impact on the game will forever be remembered. 💙🏐
I first met Patty when I moved to Houston to play for EPU, coached by the legendary Olympians Mary Jo Peppler and Marilyn McReavy. Patty was already a force in volleyball an all-around player who shone at Texas Lutheran College (TLC) under the great Susan Duke, who led TLC to national championships with the talented Corbelli sisters—Lee, Leslie, and Laurie.
During the 1970s, TLC and Sul Ross were among the most remarkable volleyball powers in Texas, and Patty’s name was always synonymous with excellence, determination, and leadership. We later shared the court as part of the original USA National Training Team in Pasadena, Texas, an experience that remains one of my fondest memories.
After representing the USA Olympic Team in 1980—a team that never got its full Olympic moment due to the boycott—Patty joined me again, first as a player with the Dallas Belles of Major League Volleyball, and later as my assistant coach at the University of Iowa.
I’ll never forget our time at EPU—especially those defensive drills when Marilyn, Lucy, and I were brave (or maybe crazy!) enough to dig Patty’s powerful hits. We survived—and became better players because of her.
Our paths crossed again when I had the honor of presenting Flo Hyman’s induction into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. As always, we shared laughter, stories, and gratitude for the incredible journey we all experienced in those early years of women’s volleyball.
Patty lived life with passion, purpose, and heart—giving her all in everything she did. I’ll always cherish the memories of traveling together in that old EPU Volkswagen van donated by Al Stokes Volkswagen of Houston—those were truly special times.
May she rest in peace, surrounded by her former teammates, players, and loved ones. Her spirit and impact on the game will forever be remembered. 💙🏐
Volleyball community mourns passing of Patty Dowdell
Photos posted below are from TWU Athletic Tribute to Patty Dowdell
Texas Woman’s Athletics and Texas Woman’s Volleyball are deeply saddened by the loss of Patty Dowdell. Dowdell was the Pioneers Head Volleyball Coach from 1996-2002
Dowdell played collegiate volleyball at Texas Lutheran, and then played on the U.S. Olympic Team from 1974-80, serving as the captain from 1976-80. During her playing career, she was a decorated athlete, winning MVP (1978 and 1994) and Rookie of the Year (1973) honors.
Prior to her time at TWU, she spent six years as the Assistant Coach at the University of Iowa.
She was inducted into the Texas Lutheran Athletics Hall of Fame, International Volleyball Hall of Fame and the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1994. In 2010, she was inducted into the Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the 1980 Olympic Team.
May she rest in peace. Our thoughts are with her family at this time.
Texas Woman’s Athletics and Texas Woman’s Volleyball are deeply saddened by the loss of Patty Dowdell. Dowdell was the Pioneers Head Volleyball Coach from 1996-2002
Dowdell played collegiate volleyball at Texas Lutheran, and then played on the U.S. Olympic Team from 1974-80, serving as the captain from 1976-80. During her playing career, she was a decorated athlete, winning MVP (1978 and 1994) and Rookie of the Year (1973) honors.
Prior to her time at TWU, she spent six years as the Assistant Coach at the University of Iowa.
She was inducted into the Texas Lutheran Athletics Hall of Fame, International Volleyball Hall of Fame and the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1994. In 2010, she was inducted into the Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the 1980 Olympic Team.
May she rest in peace. Our thoughts are with her family at this time.
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