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THE CAPTAIN: Davis relishes leadership role
WHILE IT MAY JUST BE A COINCIDENCE THAT SHE ATTENDS DAVIS HIGH, SENIOR ASIA DAVIS HAS MADE A NAME FOR HERSELF ON THE VOLLEYBALL COURT.
Davis has become one of the more exemplary athletes in the district during her tenure with the program, hence her first-team, all-district selection in 2022.However, her journey would indicate that the skill she possesses didn’t just appear out of nowhere.
“I got introduced to volleyball in the sixth grade by my uncle, actually,” said Davis. “We were just in a park playing and I really caught on. So, I tried out for the middle school team and fell in love with the sport ever since.“
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
"I wasn’t very good when I first started. I worked at it more when I started high school, but it was hard for me during the first two years. During the summer before my junior year, I got more of a grasp on the fundamentals and became more of a competitor.”
While it may have been her uncle who introduced her to volleyball and gave her the nickname “Pinky” due to her love for the color, Davis has another role model in her life.
“My biggest inspiration is definitely my Mom,” Davis said. “She grew up playing sports. She did all of it – volleyball, track, basketball and even cheerleading. She’s pushed me to do more because she knows I can. So, it’s easy to see the impact she’s had on me.”
Davis is listed as an OH/DS. But in reality, she plays all over the court which allows the senior Falcon to truly spread her wings.
2023-24 Aldine Davis VolleyballJamey Wright (VYPE)
“I’ve been an all-around player since my junior year,” said Davis. “I like the energy of being on the court all the time. It’s exciting. It makes me kind of versatile in that way. Since I’m one of the team captains, I think it helps to establish myself on the court.”
Even though this will be her senior year, it’s humbling to know that Davis isn’t too concerned about personal stats or achievements. “My primary goal for this year is to motivate my teammates,” she said. “I want to let them know we are capable of achieving more, and we need to have confidence on the court. Overall, I hope we win the district this year for my last ride.”
After finishing third in district and reaching the playoffs a year ago, it’s not a stretch to assume that the title could be within the grasp of Davis and the rest of Falcons. With Davis at the helm, their chances are better than most.
All About Action: Play Speaks Louder Than Words for Davis' Perkins
DAVIS JUNIOR TAILOR PERKINS IS A YOUNG LADY OF FEW WORDS.
Very few.
When Perkins speaks, it is direct and concise. There is no waste. Her message is clear, with no room for misinterpretation. A lot like her outstanding play on the court, whether it’s as a power forward in basketball or middle in volleyball.
For instance: Last year, Perkins had a terrific sophomore campaign for the Falcons’ volleyball team, totaling 149 kills, 128 digs, 94 blocks and 50 aces. A Swiss army knife of a talent.
Her thoughts?
“I wasn’t expecting it. I just went with the flow,” Perkins said matter-of-factly. “I just played volleyball.”
And in the ways basketball helps her volleyball game, and vice versa?
“It’s all mental,” Perkins said. “Just keep playing.” Fair enough.
Perkins was introduced to volleyball by her cousin when she was seven years old. She was driven by the game’s energy.
“I really liked how volleyball was,” Perkins said. “I loved how it is very competitive and I like the movement. I like rallies, I like the action, I like the momentum. It gets me going.”
Perkins intends to be a more consistent, more confident player this season, particularly as an attacker. After the Falcons graduated five seniors last year, she has more of a leadership role.
“Once I don’t see anyone stepping up, I’ll step up,” she said. “I expect people to have high standards and be a leader of responsibility."
She has a goal of playing at the next level. Prairie View A&M has her attention.
“I’m trying to get into college,” Perkins said. “I want to play ball. I really want to play this game seriously.”
If she continues to take the game as seriously as her words, who’s to stop her?