March 24, 2009

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina softball player Cagney Davis has experienced a little bit of everything during her four years of college.

Davis, a senior from Bostic, N.C., suffered a season ending ACL injury early in her freshmen year that helped her grow into the leader she is today. After her surgery, Davis had to sit and watch everybody else play, and it just fueled her hunger to go out there and lead the team. This year, Davis knows that her leadership is going to be crucial to have success since she is one of three seniors on a team that is welcoming 10 newcomers.

“Being a senior, you kind of feel like you are in a leadership position,” said Davis. “You know your role, you know the ropes, you know what you need to do, and you know how to get it done. I feel like if we get everybody on the same page, then the possibilities are endless.”

Competition has been something that Davis has known her entire life, growing up as the youngest child in her family. Her older sister Mallory played softball for the College of Charleston. Even though Mallory is a lot older than Davis, the sibling competition was there. But that was not all that pushed Davis. Her father Johnnie Davis was set to play football at Wake Forest before an injury ended his career. Instead of becoming a Demon Deacon, he attended school at South Carolina, which helped Davis decide to play softball for the Gamecocks.

Academically, Davis felt the pressure from her older brother Jarrod, who is nine years older that her. Jarrod’s pressure has helped Davis excel in the classroom, as she has made the SEC Academic Honor Roll in each of her first three years at South Carolina.

Davis decided to forgo her medical redshirt because she wanted to graduate South Carolina with her recruiting class. She has built friendships through the team that will last her a lifetime, and ending her career with her closest friends is very important for her. “I have experienced it all,” said Davis. “We’ve been to the super regionals. We’ve been nowhere. I just want to go out with my class.”

One day, Davis hopes to have enough time in her career to show her love for animals and volunteer for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, but for now, she is trying to help her team accomplish their goals this season and for the seasons to come.