April 16, 2018
By Amanda Ronan, Auburn Athletics Media Relations
Freshman infielder Makenna Dowell has made an imperative impact in the Auburn softball program since she's been on the Plains. Dowell built up quite the resume prior to coming to Auburn. The North Gwinnett High School Hall of Famer was a state champion, four-time All-County selection, first team All-State selection and led her team to a region win three times. The Suwannee, Ga. native was named SEC Freshman of the Week late March following a clutch three-game performance against Kentucky. "It was a great feeling because I'm not always starting," Dowell said. "So to be able to go in for Taylon [Snow] and perform as well as I did, it was a great honor."
In addition to her achievements thus far, Dowell holds high academic and athletic goals for herself. Her ultimate goals on and off the field include being on the SEC Academic Honor Roll and being an All-American. Dowell has become a regular day-to-day starter in the Tigers lineup, starting 19-of-30 games playing at both shortstop and third base.
Q: When going through the recruiting process, what made you want to come to Auburn?
A: "When I went through the recruiting process I wanted a school that was close to home, and that also had a good winning streak, great coaches and a great school. That's why I chose Auburn."
Q: What has your favorite memory been so far as a student?
A: "My favorite memory as an Auburn student was definitely when we won the Iron Bowl and going down to Toomer's Corner and going down on the field."
Q: What is the most unique aspect of Auburn University?
A: "I think the most unique aspect of Auburn is how close everyone is. It's a really tight-knit community and everyone has each other's backs."
Q: What is the most unique aspect of this year's Auburn softball team?
A: "I think what makes this year's Auburn team different is how close everyone is. Everyone is looking out for each other. We're playing as a team rather than individuals."
Q: What is your ultimate goal academically while being at Auburn?
A: "One of my academic goals is to be on the SEC Academic Honor Roll."
Q: What is your ultimate goal athletically while being at Auburn?
A: "One of my athletic goals is to be an All-American."
Q: If you had to be stuck on an island with three of your teammates, who would you want them to be and why?
A: "I would choose Brittany Maresette and Chardonnay Harris because they're funny, so it would just make it better. I would choose Kara Bilodeau too because she's smart, so she would help us survive.
Q: What is your favorite walk-up song and why did you make that your walk-up song?
A: ""Did I" by Kehlani. I love Kehlani, and also the song is also about hustling and working hard to achieve your goals."
Q: If Coach Mickey Dean had a walk-up song, what do you think it would be and why?
A: "I would pick "Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osbourne because he's crazy." *laughs*
Q: What has been your favorite memory so far this season?
A: "When I got SEC Freshman of the Week."
Q: What was it like being named freshman of the week?
A: "It was a great feeling because I'm not always starting, so to be able to go in for Taylon [Snow] and perform as well as I did, it was a great honor."
Q: What is your favorite part of being an infielder?
A: "My favorite part about being an infielder is how quick everything is. I like having to be reactive."
Q: What is your favorite sports movie?
A: "My favorite sports movie is "Friday Night Lights"."
Q: If you could give a message to the Auburn Family, what would it be?
A: "Thank you for all of your support, traveling with us and just being our biggest supporters all the time."