HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered three seasons at Placer High School in Auburn, Calif., for Head Coaches Tracy Churchman and Jennifer Wright • Was the team's most improved player and Gatorade Freshman of the Year in 2005 also earning Pioneer Valley League Honorable Mention honors • As a sophomore, she began her two-year run as the team's captain and earned her first of two first-team all-league awards • In 2006 she was named the Pioneer Valley League MVP as she led the Hillman to a 21-5 overall record, an 11-1 league mark and a 1-1 finish in the CIF playoffs • She also ran track as a sophomore at Placer • Due to school district boundaries and CIF guidelines, she was unable to play her senior season at Mission Viejo High School after her family moved south.

PERSONAL: Born on Apr. 26, 1990, in Placerville, Calif. • Full name is Sydney Anne McDowell • Parents are Bill and Nancy McDowell • Has one brother, Andrew (20) • Majoring in political science with career goals of becoming a criminal prosecution attorney • Enjoys going to Victoria Beach and shopping • Her best advice to kids is, "Exercise a lot." • Favorites include: Tom Petty and Dave Matthew's Band (musical artists), "Gladiator" and "Friday Night Lights" (movies), "Gossip Girl" (TV Show), Lance Armstrong (athlete), Denver Broncos (team) and Golden Spoon frozen yogurt (food).