Aycock's Davis headed to William Peace University

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on February 11, 2012 11:07 PM

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Connor Davis doesn't have to worry about the growing expense of softball after this spring.

There will be no more new bats to buy. Those worn-out gloves can be tossed in the trash.

She doesn't need new cleats, either. And that scarred batting helmet has probably seen its last days, too.

However, Davis could definitely use an extra set or two of kneepads. The Charles B. Aycock senior officially announced her decision Friday afternoon to play volleyball next fall at William Peace University in Raleigh.

"Softball," sighed Davis. "I don't know. I've played it all my life and I've gotten tired, so I wanted something new by playing volleyball (in middle and high school). Then I got involved in WAVE and I've loved it ever since."

And she blossomed into a solid player.

A three-year varsity starter, Davis averaged eight kills and four service aces per match during her career. She earned all-Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference accolades as a junior and senior, and helped Aycock claim its first postseason win since 2003 this past fall.

Davis received the prestigious Jane Tyndall Award during the school's fall athletics ceremony. Tyndall served as head volleyball coach for several years before losing her courageous battle with cancer.

"She's going to bring a good attitude, a good work ethic, is going to be a team player and listen to (WPU head) coach (Kevin Daniels," said Aycock head coach Davis Harris. "I know she's going to improve just like every day that I've been together with her, and it's been a while. She has leadership ability down the road ... has the whole package.

"She has always wanted to learn, wanted to get better and not gone out treating it like a recreational activity. It has paid off."

The Pacers finished 15-20 last season, but won six of their final 10 matches that included a play-in game for the USA South Conference tournament. Daniel anticipates nine players coming back this fall, and among them is senior setter Brooke Norris, who has played WAVE volleyball with Davis.

Daniel saw Davis on film and knew she could fit into his program.

"Within five or 10 minutes of watching the video, I was set and sold on her," said Daniel. "She will fit in our offense. We do run a little bit faster offense (with) lower sets, more speed and more tempo.

"She's an athlete and you can tell that."

The daughter of Charles and Rhonda Davis of Pikeville, Connor plans to major in elementary education and teach second grade.