Southern Illinoise University Athletics
McDowell Signs Professional Basketball Contract with Amsterdam
08/18/2003 | 12:00:00 | Women's Basketball
Aug. 18, 2003
By Jeff Honza
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Former Saluki guard Molly McDowell became the fifth Southern Illinois University women's basketball player to sign a professional contract earlier today. She signed with team BV Lely which is out of Amsterdam, Holland.
McDowell, who is currently interning with the Westmont Park District in Westmont, Ill., completes her Bachelor of Science degree in recreation from SIU on August 29. She will then leave the U.S. on Sept. 11 and her contract goes into effect the next day.
The only American on the BV Lely team, McDowell begins practice soon after she arrives in Amsterdam and her season officially starts on Oct. 1. The team she signed with won its country's women's basketball title a year ago.
"Signing a contract to play professionally is a contribution to myself and the hard work that I've put into the game of basketball," said McDowell. "It also reflects the hard work that the coaches at SIU have put in for me and the mental toughness my high school coach has instilled in me. It is a great opportunity for me to continue playing a game I love and get paid while doing it."
McDowell began pursuing a professional career in May when she attended a combine in Orlando, Fla. The combine was an opportunity for her to showcase her skills against other players who were also trying to prolong their basketball careers. Approximately three weeks after the combine, she signed with a sports agent through Triple Crown Athlete Management which is based in Fort Collins, Colo. Interestingly enough, her agent, Kelly Packard, was in Carbondale for the Salukis' home game against Drake (Feb. 14) to watch Carla Bennett last season. It was then, where Packard first showed interest in McDowell. Packard could not be reached for comment.
A native of Fillmore, Ill., McDowell ranks tied for sixth on SIU's all-time scoring list with 1,271 points. She also ranks first in career free throws made (367), first in career free throw percentage (.842), second in career free throws attempted (436), third in career three-pointers made (104), fourth in career assists (355) and third in career steals (198). In addition, she was named both Scholar-Athlete all-Missouri Valley Conference and Honorable Mention all-MVC in 2002-03.
"I think this is a great opportunity for Molly," said Saluki Head Coach Lori Opp. "It's a great boost for our program and we wish her all the best."
McDowell joins Amy Rakers (Japan), Anita Scott (Switzerland & Greece), D.D. Plab (Ireland) and Petra Jackson (USA) who also played in the professional ranks.
