The Lancaster Bible College Athletic Department mourns the passing of women's volleyball junior Alyssa Bowen who went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday following a car accident in western Maryland.

Bowen was named to the North Eastern Athletic Conference All-Conference Second Team this past season as she had a team-high 316 kills to go along with 77 blocks. Bowen had 60 block assists this past season which led the NEAC and her 77 total blocks were the second-most in the conference. In addition to lead the conference with 60 blocks assists, the mark is also the program record for block assists in a season.

Bowen's talents extended to the basketball court as well as she was a member of the 2015-16 Lancaster Bible women's basketball team. She appeared in 25 games, earning two starts, and averaged 3.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. Her best collegiate basketball game was her last as she scored 10 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in a loss to Roberts Wesleyan in the NCCAA Division I Midwest Region Final.

Bowen's death leaves many hearts broken on the campus of Lancaster Bible College, but her teammates, coaches, classmates and friends continue to take solace in the fact that she is now residing in the arms of Jesus.

"Anyone who knew Alyssa as a person and a player knew that she was full of potential," Lancaster Bible Director of Athletics Pete Beers said. "While we don't understand it, we realize her potential for who she was to be has been fulfilled by God. We hurt for her family, friends and teammates, but are confident that she is in heaven and look forward to the day when we will meet again."

Lancaster Bible College President Dr. Peter W. Teague echoed Beers' sentiments.

"I cannot begin to put words to the waves of grief we feel as a college family, for indeed we are a family," Teague said. "Those feelings would be overwhelming if it were not for the reality of a Christ-delivered eternity for Alyssa. Yet we grieve. Deeply. A mainstay on our women's volleyball team, Alyssa was a leader. She is still a vivacious leader and friend, now even more so for we know with certainty she is alive in Christ."

Lancaster Bible Women's Volleyball Head Coach Lauren Bewley will remember Alyssa's smile the most.

"Her joy was always genuine and bright," Bewley said. "Her smile could change the climate of our team. She leaves a hole on our team and in our hearts. We are so thankful that we will be a team again someday in heaven." 

A viewing will be held on Friday, December 23 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 11 a.m. Both services will be held at Uniontown Bible Church in Union Bridge, Md. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mount Airy Christian Academy for the newly created Alyssa Bowen Memorial Fund. You may give online HERE or by mailing to 16700 Old Frederick Rd., Mount Airy, MD 21771.

The address for Uniontown Bible Church is 4280 Watson Lane, Union Bridge, MD 21791.