Clarksville, Ark. – University of the Ozarks has announced the hiring of Seth McDowell as the new head women's basketball coach.
     
McDowell comes to Ozarks after a successful stint at NCAA Division III Knox College in Illinois. In just two seasons there, he became third in total program wins while coaching a pair of 1,000-point scorers and the conference Newcomer of the Year. Additionally, McDowell had success off the court with 30 of his players earning a spot on the conference All-Academic Team. 
     
"This is a wonderful hire for our women's basketball program," said Dr. Sergio Molina, director of athletics. "Coach McDowell has proven to be a successful coach on and off the court. He is committed to the values of the program and the university. I am excited to see the lasting impact he will have on the young women he coaches, on our campus, and within our community."
     
A native of Jackson, Mo., the veteran McDowell served as head coach at St. Louis Community College and Harris-Stowe State University prior to Knox. At Harris-Stowe, McDowell coached the conference Newcomer of the Year. McDowell also served as the assistant coach at Harris-Stowe and Missouri Baptist University.
      
"I am honored to be named the head women's basketball coach at the University of the Ozarks," said McDowell. "I want to thank President Dunsworth, Amy Zamaripas, Sergio Molina, and the entire search committee for believing in me and entrusting me with this opportunity. Our program will be built on relentless energy, togetherness, and an unselfish style of play. We will be known for our defensive pressure, our ability to play fast, and our commitment to making quick, team-first decisions. I look forward to coaching a group that embraces that identity and takes pride in representing Ozarks the right way."  
     
At Knox, McDowell coached 11 All-Conference selections, including three First Team players, and coached the fourth all-time leading scorer. His team produced the most conference Player of the Week awards in program history. He also had the program's all-time leader in three-pointers. His Knox teams were consistently nationally ranked in free throws made per game, scoring, steals per game and turnover margin. His teams led the conference in scoring back-to-back seasons at 76.2 points per game.
     
"My family and I are eager to build meaningful relationships on campus and within the Clarksville and surrounding communities while developing a culture that everyone will appreciate," McDowell said.  
     
In addition to his time in the college ranks, McDowell served as the head boys' basketball coach at Winfield High School (Mo.) and Orchard Farm School High (Mo.). In 2024, he was selected to coach at the NCAA women's basketball academy.
     
McDowell played college football at Southeast Missouri State University and received a bachelor's degree from SEMO in criminal justice. He received his master's degree in sports administration from Arkansas State University. He and his wife, Jenny, are the parents of daughters Payton and Parker and son Porter.