Athlete of the Month: Mallory Downing

Name: Mallory Downing

Age: 14

School: Winter Park High School

Class year: 2020

Sport: Volleyball

Accomplishments: Maitland Middle School athlete of the year. Qualified for the Junior National Championship Tournament in the 15 Open Division in the 2015-16 season. Starting Libero for the varsity team as a freshman.

Stats for the month:

22 Aces (leading the team)

2.2 Serve Receive (leading the team)

23 Assists

241 Digs (leading the team)

7 Kills (.467)

Favorite athletes: One of my favorite athletes is Serena Williams because I admire her strength, athletic ability, and dedication to her sport. My other favorite athlete is Kerri Walsh-Jennings because the way she competes inspires me. She is willing to jump through hoops to reach her goals and her passion makes her a winner. My male role model is Michael Jordan because he never ever gives up. His love of the game, mental toughness, and commitment has made him a legend in sports.

Hopes for the future: My goal is to commit to a D1 school before my senior year. After college I want to go to law school and become a lawyer. I want to raise a family of volleyball-playing children.

What would you like to study in college and why? In college, I want to study law and follow in my father’s footsteps. I also have very good writing and speaking skills. And I feel that working toward this degree will help me make a difference in the world.

What do you like to do for fun? I like to hang out with my friends and play with my dog.

What do you like most about being a Winter Park Wildcat? Winter Park has great academic programs as well as amazing sports and extracurricular activities. It is an honor to be a Winter Park Wildcat and represent my school.