This month and going forward, the Mavs will continue to elevate the experiences and perspectives of Black players, coaches, employees, entertainers and fans through various activations and community events. We also continue to shine the spotlight on a new era of young Black men and women who are trailblazing a path for future generations to follow.
Jenna Lowry made her first professional dance team and NBA debut at the start of the ’21-22 season with the Dallas Mavericks D-Town Crew. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Stephen F. Austin and is now a full-time residential architectural designer at Tracy’s Custom Homes. Lowry also won an impressive three national titles at various levels during her collegiate career. She is proud of her diverse, biracial background and she has a unique perspective on race because she’s been misidentified many times in her life.
“Being of mixed race, I am not always immediately identified as a person of color and am often questioned of my race,” Lowry said. “Being proud of who I am, I am always ready to share the details of my background and ethnicity.”
Fans can find Lowry entertaining MFFLs on game nights and serving in the community with her beloved Dallas Mavs, the very team she grew up celebrating and watching.
Mavs.com caught up with Lowry to learn more about her extraordinary journey to the NBA…
Jenna Marie LowryCAREER: Fulltime Residential Architectural Designer at Tracy’s Custom Homes based in Farmersville, Texas.
COLLEGE EXPERIENCE: Lowry graduated Magna Cum Laude from Stephen F. Austin State University and received her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design with a minor in Merchandising. She was a member of the SFA Dance Team for three seasons and won two national titles, including one in the NDA Pom Division I and one in the DTU Pom Division IA.
Prior to that, Lowry danced collegiately with the McLennan Dance Company for two seasons and later earned her Associates of Arts at McLennan Community College. She also picked up a National Championship in the NDA Jazz Division III.
MAVS.COM: Hi Jenna! Before we talk about Black History Month, can you share more with our fans about your life?
LOWRY: My entire childhood consisted of school and athletic involvement, thanks to my parents, who provided for me and drove me to events. I played softball, I was in the marching band as an alto saxophone player and a member of the school’s drill team (AKA sleep-deprived since birth)!
I liked being involved and performing is in my blood! If the opportunity arises, I highly recommend getting involved in extracurriculars while in school, somehow, someway!
MAVS.COM: How proud are you to join the Dallas Mavericks and how did you arrive in the NBA?
LOWRY: When it comes to the Dallas Mavericks, I’ve always been a basketball fan, and I was born and raised here in DFW, so I represent my team! Go Mavs!
I danced collegiately, and upon graduation, I knew I wanted to go pro. I did my research and kept an eye on the D-Town Crew, waiting for social media posts, and an announcement when tryouts would take place.
Once they announced prep-classes for tryouts, I made sure to attend every single one. Showing your face and initiative as often as possible is very beneficial in a tryout process. This is something I learned from a college dance friend and my parents, and it’s so true.
At the prep-classes I felt peaceful, at home, and accepted, like I could be myself. I had a confidence that came from God.
The prep-classes were held at Centre for Dance in Richardson, Texas, a studio I took a few classes from growing up from a friend who still teaches there today. I see that same friend each week before and after D-Town Crew practices, talk about full-circle moment!
Our D-Town Crew coach and mama bear, Stephanie DiBiase, had a coaching style I recognized, and connected with. Stephanie was attentive to individuals, and a positive motivator, I knew I wanted her to be my coach. I felt led to the Mavs and the D-Town Crew. Once they announced the team one by one, I couldn’t help but sob. Anyone that knows me knows perseverance is my motto. I’ve tried out for many teams throughout my life, and made a handful of those, those I am grateful for, so being told no wasn’t unfamiliar territory for me. When I made the Dallas Mavericks D-Town Crew with no hesitation and was commended by the judges personally…that was a tearjerker. I found my dance home!
MAVS.COM: What has been your experience since joining D-Town Crew?
LOWRY: My experience since joining D-Town Crew has been nothing short of amazing. Our team is full of diversity, which I value incredibly. Each dancer is unique, loving and accepting of one another, and we truly are a family. We lift each other up, support one another and are each other’s biggest cheerleaders. I believe those are the qualities that make this team so special and one of a kind. D-Town Crew provides a judgement-free environment that everyone has a place in and is welcome.
MAVS.COM: When do you come alive and feel the strongest?
LOWRY: Performing makes me come alive and I love every opportunity I am blessed with to step out on the court to cheer on the Mavs! I stay present in the moment to soak it all in.
I have grown so much as a dancer, professionally and artistically. We are not only dancers, performers, and entertainment, we are representatives and mentors in the public eye, and we reach audiences beyond our knowledge.
Each game, each of us sign a Dallas Mavericks hand towel to hand out to a kid or two that stands out to us. They are usually dancing along with us or calling out our same cheers. It is rewarding seeing the smiles on their faces, knowing we made a positive impact. As a dancer and performer, there’s always at least one kid in the audience that aspires to be like you one day, it is important to be someone they can look up to.
MAVS.COM: At the Mavs, we strive to be champions both on and off the court. How much have you enjoyed serving in the community?
LOWRY: Giving back to the community by participating in community service has also been a favorite part of mine as a member of the D-Town Crew. I love that the Dallas Mavericks organization prioritizes that. It is so important to give back and pour into the lives of others as much as possible.
This past November, I had the honor of distributing 4,000 meals with Dallas Mavs CEO Cynt Marshall, who is the first Black female CEO in the NBA. We served North Texas families in need through the local nonprofit Minnie’s Food Pantry. I am thankful to have the opportunity to devote my time to the community. Life is bigger than ourselves!
MAVS.COM: Each February, the Dallas Mavericks and NBA community come together to celebrate Black History Month and the incredible leaders in the game like you. What makes you most proud of your background?
LOWRY: I am thankful to be part of an organization and community that recognizes, embraces, celebrates, and accepts. I am proud to be me – all that I am – and all that I am mixed with.
My father is both Black and White, while my mother is White. Both of my parents come from large families, so I grew up with diversity all around me.
I am proud to have a large family that consists of both black and white backgrounds and celebrates diversity. Through my heritage, I am a part of Black History and Black History is part of me.
Being educated and aware of the accomplishments and contributions of those who paved the way is the key to understanding Black History. Black History can teach us all something, and this is something, I, as a biracial woman, continue to educate myself on; I don’t take the lessons or sacrifices of those that came before me lightly.
MAVS.COM: Who is a Black or African American person in your own personal life that has inspired you the most? Who gets your Lifetime Achievement Award and why did they have such a profound impact on your life?
LOWRY: My dad hands down deserves my Lifetime Achievement Award. Through the stories shared, I have learned of the many experiences and struggles he had growing up as a Black man in the 60’s and 70’s when there was a different kind of racial unrest.
His upbringing was a lot different than mine and hearing the extent of some of the things he, unfortunately, experienced back then and still at times to this day, makes me emotional.
No matter what, my dad loves unconditionally. He is selfless, he is kind, and he makes sacrifices day in and day out to be of assistance to others. He always strives to provide for his family.
If you ask him what matters the most, my dad’s answer will always be family. Even if my dad was busy, or finally had a moment to relax, he was always there when we needed him.
I am extremely proud to call him my father and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the many lessons he has taught me. My dad taught me to be selfless, patient and in good times and in bad, to keep pushing through.
MAVS.COM: If there is a young person reading this who aspires to follow your footsteps, what’s your advice for them?
LOWRY: Do not let doubt or comparison to others creep in.
Reflecting on my dance journey and how it has shaped me, if there’s one thing I learned, it’s that perseverance pays off. Never give up! There’s a saying, “fall down 7 times, stand up 8.” You never know what that “one last try” will bring. The important thing is that you TRIED.
Believe in yourself and be your biggest cheerleader. There is talent everywhere but know that you are talented too.
Your mind is more powerful than you may think, feed it well and train it well, tell it positive things and positive results will happen.
Know you are capable and do not be afraid of rejection. I’ve been told “no” more times than “yes” in my life, career, and dance journey, and I still achieved my goals. After being rejected on my first attempt at trying out for my university dance team, I went on to train for a year, tried out again, and spent three successful years with that very same team.
During that time, there were those who doubted whether I could handle the load of dance and interior design. I didn’t let their opinion stand in the way of my goals, and I now work full-time in my field. What a feeling of accomplishment! Anything is possible.
God has a plan for everyone, and it’s important to remind yourself that everyone’s plan looks different.
MAVS.COM: Incredible words of wisdom! On that note, what has been your experience as a Black athlete or performer in the dance industry? What can we do better to encourage a new generation of young Black boys and girls to pursue their dreams in this industry?
LOWRY: Being of mixed race, I am not always immediately identified as a person of color and am often questioned of my race. Being proud of who I am, I am always ready to share the details of my background and ethnicity.
We must all be a reminder to young Black boys and girls that they should not let others determine whether they are allowed to pursue their dreams. They, too, are the future, and by following their dreams, they can be a part of something bigger than themselves, a legacy that can empower future generations of young Black boys and girls to come.
Though harder said than done, in the process of chasing after their goals, they cannot give power to the thoughts or opinions of others.
Something my mom taught me and has stuck with me through everything is – we are only in control of ourselves. We have the power to follow our dreams, we are the ones that can make it happen.
We have to remember that we are ALL capable, we are ALL worthy, and we ALL have something unique and special to offer. We should allow this to be our guiding light and motivation to approach each day as it comes.
At the end of the day, it’s you and God, and that is more than enough to go after what you want!
MAVS.COM: Finally, a little self-reflecting here, but what do you consider is your gift to the world?
LOWRY: I believe the purpose God has for me is to be a light to others, however they perceive it. A light could be driving, comforting, peaceful or exciting. I want to pour into the lives of others as often as I am blessed with the opportunity to.
To put it simply – love others – and be kind. I have been blessed with the gift of empathy and throughout my life I’ve found myself just wanting to be there for others whether it’s through prayer, conversation, a listening ear, or a shoulder to cry on. I want to make people happy, and I love to make people laugh! Relationship matters and I feel proud when I do for others.
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