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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 20, 2025) — The volleyball community is mourning the loss of Patty Dowdell, a Hall of Famer, trailblazing athlete and influential coach. The International Volleyball Hall of Fame inducted Dowdell in 1994, defining her career with excellence, leadership and dedication to the sport she helped shape.
Dowdell represented the U.S. Women’s National Team from 1974 to 1980, serving as captain for four years and earning recognition as one of America’s first truly versatile players. She was named to the 1980 Olympic Team, which did not compete due to the U.S. boycott of the Games. She later competed professionally in Major League Volleyball and went on to coach at the University of Iowa and Texas Woman’s University.
In 1989, she was named a USA Volleyball All-Time Great Player and inducted into the Hall of Fame.
“Patty Dowdell embodied the best of what volleyball stands for, such as teamwork, tenacity and heart,” said USA Volleyball President and CEO John Speraw. “Her passion for the game inspired generations of athletes, and her leadership paved the way for women’s volleyball to flourish at every level.”
Her legacy of mentorship and commitment to growth will continue to inspire players and coaches across the volleyball world. We extend our condolences to her family, friends and all those who benefited from her remarkable career.
Pictured above, L-R: Laurel Brassey Iversen, Sharon Moore Furlong, Laurie Flachmeier Corbelli, Debbie Green, Debbie Landreth Brown (in front), Diane McCormick French (in back), Patty Dowdell, Sue Woodstra, Terry Place Schaettler
The people who spent years with her on the court carry their memories of Patty. Here are some of the moments and memories they wanted to share:
Sue Woodstra, 1980 and 1984 Olympic Teams
“Patty was indeed the definition of a fierce competitor, with very few able to match her combination of athleticism and determination. She was a real force on the court and pretty quiet off. We were suitemates while the team lived at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs; our rooms shared a bathroom in the old Officers Quarters building (a building that was long ago replaced). I’ll remember PD as a great teammate, humble, kind, possessing a witty sense of humor and our bus driver to practices. She was a cherished teammate and sister.”
Diane French, 1980 Olympic Team
“Patty was a great athlete and all-round player in the days before the libero position was created, but she was best known for her dominance at the net. Off the court, she was thoughtful and soft-spoken, with a quiet determination that transformed into a fierce will to win once the games began, whether it was a practice scrimmage or an international match. She could power us through difficult situations on the court, most memorably during our Olympic qualifying tournament in Cuba in 1979. She never sought the spotlight, but her teammates appreciate how important her skill and leadership were to our success. We’ve stayed in touch all these years and will truly miss her.”
Laurie Corbelli, 1980 and 1984 Olympic Teams
“Patty had a way of intimidating the crap out of teammates without ever realizing it. Confident, unrelenting and so skilled, she was NOT going to lose, ever! And if you might threaten her chances of losing a drill, a point, anything…you would certainly hear about it from her. Patty made me a better player just with her presence.”
Debbie Green, 1980 and 1984 Olympic Teams
“Our ‘80 team adopted Sister Sledge’s ‘We Are Family’ as our team song. That’s how we felt and still feel about each other. Our team lost another sister. PD was not only an amazing athlete and player. [We] didn’t have or need a libero; she did it all! As her setter, she was the easiest hitter I ever played with! She never complained or half-assed a spike because the set was ‘right.’ I’d set her too wide, she’d hit left-handed (for a kill). I’d say, ‘Sorry, that was too wide. Her reply was ‘No, it’s good.’ Patty was a setter’s dream. Every reunion, I would say that. My eyes are tearing up now because we’ll all miss her so much at our reunions. 💔
Toshi Yoshida, former coach of the Women’s National Team
“I am so sad to hear of Patty’s passing. Patty’s legendary 1980 Olympic team had a profound impact on my coaching career. I will always remember her blocking and smart attacks.”
Deb Brown, 1980 Olympic Team
“It was an honor and a privilege to have been a teammate of Patty’s. She was physically dominant and had more intensity than any other player I have ever seen. She made everyone around her better. Off the court, Patty was quiet and soft-spoken, but she had a huge heart and a dry sense of humor. She was loved and respected by every one of her teammates, and the bond we share as 1980 Olympians is strong and so special. We will greatly miss Patty’s humor and insight as we hold future reunions and Zoom sessions.”
Sharon Moore Furlong, WNT player and teammate
“We are heartbroken with the loss of our dear Patty. We were led on the court with her strength, intensity and physical power. Her impact on our success was respected worldwide. More importantly, our gentle giant showed her heart of gold and sense of humor to her dear friends after her retirement from the volleyball court. In spite of her body betraying her over the years with some serious issues, Patty remained steadfast in her desire to travel and be a part of important events, and to be with people she cared deeply about. We are thankful for that.”