Kayla Davis To Play In A-10 Conference With Xavier Next Fall

On October 2, 2012, Kayla Davis (5’8″, Guard, Brampton Warriors, 2013) of Brampton, Ontario, announced that next Fall, she will be playing with the Xavier Musketeers of NCAA’s A-10 Division.

“I’m excited about finally making a decision about where I’m going to play for the next four years. I’m looking forward to getting on the court there and trying to make a contribution to the team as soon as possible. I’m excited about the atmosphere, the team and my new teammates and the coaching staff. I’m just excited and happy to have this opportunity.”

Davis who is eager to make her impact at the next level, was obviously quite excited about her decision the Cincinatti, Ohio University next Fall. Her anticipation of big things however, is tempered in the reality of knowing that she will have to roll up her sleeves to impress both in the gym and in the classroom.

“I plan on going and working hard right away, because that’s how you’re going to earn your time, working hard in practice and making sure you have everything right with your grades. In talking with the Coaching Staff, they feel that if I come in and do what I’m supposed to, I have a good chance of contributing early and that’s my goal.”

As one would expect, discussions with the coaching staff did play a major role in her decision making to attend Xavier. But more than being sold on the campus and camaraderie is what tipped the scales for the mild mannered Point Guard. It was what Muskateers’ Head Coach was bringing to the table in terms of experience and ability to grow Davis’ game.

“The Head Coach, Amy Waugh, was a Point Guard at Xavier, she knows the college experience first hand. She represented that school so obviously having this coaching position means a lot to her. She’s very tough on her Point Guards, but she gives them a lot of positive criticism, which is something I really like in a Coach: Getting the feedback so I can become better.”

Kayla Davis is a crafty ball handler that gets to the hole and can successfully create her own shot from just about anywhere she chooses on the floor. She was poised to have a big summer, a summer that got exponentially bigger when she gotthe nod the to play for her country at this summer’s FIBA U17 Women’s Championships in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Yes, she was on that Canadian Cadette team that earned its best result ever at that event, a Bronze Medal Finish at the World Championships.

“It was a tremendous experience; one of the greatest experiences I’ve had basketball-wise. Just being able to play in a different country, getting used to how other countries play, getting to play against the U.S. and the best talent around. It was challenging and very rewarding,” said Davis.

And, while taking further stock into changes on her basketball perspective and future she went on to say, “I learned a lot about myself and things I need to work on. And, I’m looking forward to continuing on with the Canada Basketball program and I’m looking forward to being a part of it in the future, definitely.”

Having a great support system to help attain her success thus far, Davis wanted to give thanks to as many as possible for their help.

“I want to thank my Brampton [Warriors’] coaches, Hugh Riley and Jason Harris, the Tatums, the A-Game Basketball coaches, Canada Basketball Coaches, Coach Zoff from d’Y [St. Marguerite d’Youville Secondary School], Coach Bob Messam and most of all my family. I couldn’t get to where I am without them.”

This Fall, Davis is looking forward to completing her High School season at St Margurite d’Youville and playing rep basketball with the Brampton Warriors of the JUEL (rep) League of Ontario.