Paige Davis isn’t content with just one role as a softball player. The Durant senior led the Lady Cougars with a 1.46 ERA this season in 153 innings pitched and had 106 strikeouts. Davis also performed well at the plate, batting .390 with 14 RBI. She is committed to South Florida State College, where she will get to do both roles.
How did South Florida State come about?
Through travel ball. The head coach there is good friends with one of my coaches. It was before the season at Durant. I’m going there with one of my best friends who is on my travel ball team (Armwood’s Lauren Harris).
How long have you been playing softball?
Practically my whole life. I started pitching when I was 8.
What got you into pitching?
I tried it out and actually stopped for a couple months, but I realized I wanted to do it again. Depending on how I’m pitching can determine how the game goes. You rely on your pitcher, and I like when my team can trust me.
What will you remember the most about your career at Durant?
Our team bonding. If there’s a rain delay, we’ll always play games in the locker room, and we’ll all go eat before games. It’s just the fact that you have a whole family here.
After winning state last year, what are your thoughts on the way this season ended?
We really wanted to make it back to state, but we knew it would be a hard run, especially after winning it last year. I think we did well. We worked hard and played as a team. I’m still proud of the team.
What was winning state like your junior year?
It was so much fun and something most teams don’t get to experience. I’m just glad that I got to experience it.
What are your expectations for college ball?
Coach Carlos (Falla III) is really funny and really nice. He told me that I’m going to be a pitcher and a first baseman, and I’m going to be a hitter. That was something I really wanted in a college.
Do you know what you want to study?
I want to be a detective; so I’m doing criminal justice.
Outside of softball, what do you like to do for fun?
I like to ride four-wheelers. I like to fish and go mudding. Just be outdoors.