Jan. 14, 2013
Softball Countdown: Johnnie Dowling
- Read the January issue of Hawk Talk Monthly
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye iPad/iPhone app!
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye Android app!
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
In our countdown to the start of the 2013 softball season, we will feature all 24 Hawkeyes over the next month.
Johnnie Dowling is a senior outfielder from Des Moines, Iowa. The former West Des Moines Valley standout wears No. 9 for the Hawkeyes. She has started 140-of-146 career games played during her first three seasons.
Dowling, a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, was a third team All-Big Ten selection in 2012 after batting .308 with a team-high 52 runs. She tallied 13 RBIs and served as Iowa’s leadoff hitter in 42 games. Dowling led the Hawkeyes with nine steals and added four doubles and one triple. She paced Iowa in league play with a .381 batting average.
Iowa opens the season Feb. 8 in Houston, Texas. The Hawkeyes face Lipscomb and UT Arlington at the Hilton Houston Plaza Classic.
Is there any significance to the jersey number you wear?
“My number is nine. It is Mia Hamm’s soccer jersey number; I always looked up to her when I was little.”
How is your academic path coming along?
“I am very excited about my future. Academically, I have been working toward my teaching certificate to become an elementary teacher.”
What are your individual goals for the upcoming season?
“My individual goal is to lead this team to a Big Ten championship.”
What facet of your game has improved the most since last spring?
“My hitting has improved the most. In the summer before last season I was switched to the left side to become a slap hitter. I have developed my game to make it more efficient this spring.”
What is it like working with coach Looper and the coaching staff?
“It’s a great experience. All of the coaches are very knowledgeable and work hard to help our team succeed.”
What was the key factor in your recruitment that led you to Iowa City and the Hawkeye softball program?
“Not only was the atmosphere great, but also my family has always been Hawkeye fans.”
What did you do during your free time over the summer?
“Over the summer I worked at Grand Slam USA, and developed my game for this spring.”
Who is the most influential person in your life?
“My mom; she has coached and taught me through my life. I wouldn’t be who I am today without her.”
What is your first softball memory?
“Playing for my little league rec team, The Roadrunners.”
Do you have any hobbies?
“Scrapbooking, running races, reading.”
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
“Mia Hamm has always been my favorite athlete even though she doesn’t play anymore.”
If you were cast on a reality TV show, which one would you prefer to be on and why?
“The Amazing Race because I love challenges.”
What did you want to grow-up to be when you were a kid?
“A professional soccer or softball player.”
What is your favorite place to be on campus?
“Starbucks.”
As a spectator, what is your favorite sport?
“Hockey.”
What is your most prized possession?
“My scrapbooks with all of my friends and family pictures.”
What is your favorite food/meal?
“Anything my mom makes.”
Do you have any superstitions, on or off the playing field?
“I touch the dirt before I hit.”
What is your favorite restaurant in the Iowa City area?
“Buffalo Wild Wings.”
What is your most memorable softball memory?
“Beating No. 1 Michigan my sophomore year.”
What would be your ideal career?
“Being a teacher.”
What is one word that describes you?
“Creative.”