How a Routine Physical Changed a Georgia Volleyball Student-Athlete's Life

by Kenzie Harms, UGAAA Sports Communications

For volleyball student-athlete Mallory Downing, a sophomore at the University of Georgia, her first-year experience was highly unconventional. Downing traveled to Athens, Georgia from from her home in Winter Park, Florida optimistic about her first year of college, but no one anticipated what happened next.

To play at the collegiate level, the University of Georgia athletic department requires athletes to receive extensive cardiac treatment before beginning their season. Unknown to Downing, for 18 years she had been living with a four-centimeter hole in her heart, a fact discovered during the various pre-season cardiac testing.

After weeks of testing, the freshman went to Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia to undergo open-heart surgery.

"It was insane, it was definitely the worst two months of my life," said Downing.

"An atrial septal defect is a birth defect of the heart in which there is a hole in the wall that divides the upper chambers of the heart." The CDC said, "a hole can vary in size and may close on its own or may require surgery."
In Downing's case, the hole did not close.

"The doctors said this [atrial septal defect] is the strangest case they've ever seen because athletes don't get it because you can't participate in sports like this." Downing continued, "usually people have asthma, or they can't do any sort of physical activity."

According to the CDC, more than 80% of individuals with a mild congenital heart defect have no developmental disabilities. However, more than half of those with a more critical type of CHD have some form of disability or impairment.

Downing had previously competed in two Junior National Championships, in which she won a silver medal at the USAV Nationals and AAU Nationals. During her years of competing at a high level, she had experienced no symptoms impairing her athletic abilities.

All student-athletes at the University of Georgia are sent to have an extensive cardiac process to be reviewed by a cardiologist, ensuring athletes are beginning their careers with safety as the main priority.

However, according to The Wall Street Journal, less than half of all Power Five schools in the NCAA require both an EKG and an Echocardiogram for student-athletes.

"Sudden cardiac death is the most common non-traumatic causes of death among college athletes, and 75% of college student-athlete deaths occur during sports and exercise," stated the NCAA.

Intense cardiac testing is not part of the routine health check most people receive annually. So, like the average person, Downing had never received an Echocardiogram. Some individuals live full lives without knowing they have a defect, but there are a few not as fortunate.

According to the American College of Cardiology, patients with atrial septal defect have a 70% greater risk of death than the general population.

Although Downing says recovery was "the most painful thing [she has] have ever experienced," this story concludes on a positive note. Downing played her first college match six months after open-heart surgery and continues to have success as Georgia's back line.

Jubilee Herrs, UGA's assistant athletic trainer, said, "I couldn't be prouder, I just love the kid and I am so happy to see her being successful this year."
Downing chose to adjust her mindset to being grateful for the difficult experience she endured.

"I don't take things for granted, I am grateful to be alive, to be playing volleyball again and to be healthy." Downing said, "If I am ever upset about something it's like, 'there's nothing you can't do because you have done the hardest thing that you will ever have to do,' I am lucky to be alive."

How a Routine Physical Changed a Georgia Volleyball Student-Athlete's Life

Players Mentioned

Mallory Downing

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