ETSU’s women’s basketball team holds just a 2-8 record heading into the middle stretch of the season — however, a star has been born in the process.

Redshirt sophomore Mykia Dowdell (Oak Ridge, Tennessee) has provided quite the spark for the Buccaneers after being sidelined for the 2020 season due to NCAA transfer rulings.

Mykia Dowdell, ETSU Women’s Basketball. (Contributed/ETSUBucs)

The former Middle Tennessee State University forward not only leads the team in scoring–9.3 points per game–but Dowdell has also provided many second-chance opportunities with 16 offensive rebounds for the season — leading the Bucs with nearly 50 offensive and defensive boards total.

The week seven WJHL player of the week has amassed quite the stat sheet in her short playing career with the Bucs. However, despite her early personal success, Dowdell is eager to give praise to her ETSU teammates.

“It’s really not about me personally,” Dowdell said. “It’s about the team and the chemistry and bond that we have. I’m thankful that they trust me to make the open shots and hit the lay-ups, that’s what it’s all about.”

Dowdell also touched on her relationship with women’s basketball head coach Brittney Ezell.

“There’s not a day when I don’t try and pick her brain,” Dowdell said. “Watching her in-game adjustments and seeing her draw up plays on the fly is amazing. That’s the number one reason why I came here.”

Ezell, heading into her eighth season with the Bucs, has certainly made use of the former Blue Raider’s resilience and conditioning, as Dowdell touts the most minutes per game on ETSU’s team with 27.7.

And though the rising star’s performance has turned many heads, Dowdell states that her mind is always fixated on the future, rather than the past.

“I don’t want to become complacent, I have a lot of more work to do,” Dowdell said. “The next couple of games are not guaranteed, especially with COVID. I must take it one game at a time and play like every game is my last — the basketball won’t always dribble for me and one day it will come to an end.”

ETSU fans may grow accustomed to Dowdell’s impactful performances moving forward, but one thing is for certain: Mykia Dowdell’s career is just beginning.

“I’m so thankful for ETSU fans for always being so supportive of us, win or lose,” said Dowdell. “We’re working hard behind the scenes … Just stay patient, because our time is coming.”