Senior Spotlight: Nia Lowery
2/25/2024
In honor of Senior Day, we're putting the spotlight on Washington women's basketball senior Nia Lowery to celebrate her time as a Husky.
Nia Lowery has been with Washington for all of her five seasons. Through injuries and adversity, Nia has battled, continued to show up for her team, and exemplified dedication and resilience. She’s been a hardworking student, making the 2022 and 2023 Pac-12 Winter Academic Honor Rolls. Having already completed her Law, Societies, & Justice degree, Nia will be graduating with her Master of Science in Entrepreneurship.
Senior Spotlight: Nia Lowery
Why Washington?
Nia Lowery came to Washington five years ago, drawn in by the history, the school, and the location.
“The people here, and the experience that you can get being in Seattle,” Lowery said about choosing Washington. “I know for me, I like the city, but I also really like nature, and I like the combination of both.”
Lowery felt a connection to the school that ran as deep as wanting to be part of the conference her mom played in when she was a college basketball student-athlete.
“I came to UW because I loved the tradition that was here - coming in after Kelsey Plum and wanting to be a part of something,” Lowery said. “UW felt like the right fit for me.”
What has been your favorite memory (or memories) during your time as a Husky?
Lowery didn’t take long to decide on the memory she wanted to share. Last season’s upset of then-No. 2 Stanford was top-of-mind.
“When we beat Stanford,” Lowery said. “You could just feel the energy in the gym. The feel of our team and aura of our team was different. It was everything that I think is good about sports in that day, and it just felt like our team was coming together and everything seemed aligned that day. Cheering and celebrating was a lot of fun.”
A more recent memory, emotional in a different way, came next.
During nonconference, Lowery checked into a game for the first time in two seasons, recording her first point back on the court before being met at halfcourt with hugs from her teammates and applause from the bench and the crowd.
When asked to put that feeling into words, Lowery gave a small smile when she said, “Nervous, but excitement was there.”
“Very thankful to be out there and be able to do it,” Lowery said. “Afterwards, I was overwhelmed. I couldn’t believe I did that after such a long time and a long journey. I did not care how it looked. The athlete in me was criticizing and judging, but me as a person, I was like ‘you cannot do that. It’s amazing for you to even be out there and be able to experience it’.”
I would want [the fans] to know how appreciative we are of them and how impactful they are at our games - how their energy really fills the arena for us.Nia Lowery
What do you want fans to know about Washington Women’s Basketball?
Lowery spoke highly about Husky Nation and the love the fans have shown her and the program during her time on Montlake.
“I would want them to know how appreciative we are of them and how impactful they are at our games - how their energy really fills the arena for us,” Lowery said.
It’s also the personal side of being around the fans that Lowery has appreciated.
“Being able to talk with them after games and getting to know who they are throughout the season is something that is special to me, and I know that it’s something we value as a team, as well,” Lowery said. “Just know that we appreciate them. I appreciate them. Being out [and not playing], I would still have people coming up to me, and that was really warming to my heart.”
Best fans.
What is your hope for the program’s future?
It’s a simple hope. Lowery wants everyone involved in Husky basketball to be their best.
“I would hope that we continue to keep growing as a program, and that the women of the program keep being the best that they can be, and the staff, as well,” Lowery said. “I want staff and players to be the best people they can be and just enjoy everyone’s experience here.”
I would hope that we continue to keep growing as a program, and that the women of the program keep being the best that they can be.Nia Lowery
How do you hope to be remembered for your time as a Husky?
Lowery has been through adversity during her time as a Husky, battling injuries but never wavering in her dedication to the program. With everything she’s gone through, Lowery’s hope is that she’s seen as more of a human than an athlete.
Lowery said it’s obviously been hard to go through, but that she believes in the lessons life brings and that there’s gratitude to be found in it.
“It’s pushed me to look outside of myself as more than just an athlete,” Lowery said. “Sports is a great segue into being able to bring connection to other people and provide community for other people, and I think that’s the basis of what humanity should be like.”
I’m thankful for everyone that has been a part of my journey.Nia Lowery
Her time at UW has been about building connection and community, and Lowery mentioned the character of the person she wants to be to other people.
“I’m thankful for everyone that has been a part of my journey,” Lowery said. “I’m just glad that I was able to experience it at this time, and experience the people I’ve met, and become the person I’m supposed to become.”
Once a Husky, always a Husky.
Nia Is…
Nia's teammates used one word to describe her:
5 Questions With Nia Lowery
Get To Know Nia Lowery
Number: 15
Position: Guard
Hometown: Sacramento, Calif.
Why did you pick your number?
My mother played at OSU and holds rebounding records there! I always thought it was super cool. So I took after my mom’s number.
Why did you choose UW?
I chose UW because of the things this school has to offer and people that are within it.
What pregame rituals/superstitions do you have?
I sit in the gym at one of the highest points in the stadium and look down at the court. It’s an overview of where I am and the gratitude I have for the lessons this place has brought me.
Best thing about Seattle or favorite spot?
Gas Works Park.
Song that you would pick if you had to sing karaoke?
“Everything She Wants” by Wham!
Washington Women's Basketball