Ivy Davis Fits Right In At Tennessee

Looking for a way to step outside of your comfort zone? Try moving nearly 2,000 miles across the country.

California girl Ivy Davis has found a new home inside the friendly confines of Sherri Parker Lee Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn.

“I had to push myself out of my comfort zone and pretty much change everything in my life just to get here,” said Davis.

Davis knew it was time for a change following the shortened 2020 season. At that time, she was a member of the University of Arizona's softball team. She saw action in 87 career games for the Wildcats, including 61 starts.

“I loved watching Tennessee softball growing up,” said Davis. “They always just had something that drew me to them. The way they threw the ball around and the confidence that they had was something that was really neat for me to watch as a young girl.”

After deciding to transfer from Arizona last year, Davis finally got her chance to become a Lady Vol.

“Getting the chance to come over here was just a really awesome opportunity for me to continue playing softball at a high level and to experience new opportunities on the other side of the country,” Davis said.

Those opportunities were available for Davis thanks to Tennessee’s co-head coaches Ralph and Karen Weekly. Because of them, the only adjustment issue that Davis has truly had to overcome was adjusting to a climate with four seasons.

“The Weeklys have helped me so much,” said Davis. “I have only been here for a few months and have already grown so much as a person and as a softball player. They really push all of us on the team to be the best in everything that we do—not just on the field.”

According to Davis, all of her teammates at Tennessee are “extremely talented” and are “full of potential.” They are a sisterhood united under one mission.

“I don’t think I have ever been around a group of 20-plus girls that get along this well,” said Davis. “It’s so much fun to get out there every day because it’s like having 21 of your best friends with you at all times.”

Davis says that she and her teammates were extremely eager for the 2021 season, and that they have welcomed all experiences this year with arms wide open. The Lady Vols have begun the year in winning fashion, as they currently rank No. 19 in SA's Top 25 poll with a record of 21-5.

After suffering her first collegiate injury in the fall—a broken thumb—Davis has had to work her way back into prime form. She’s found herself a home at shortstop, a position that comes naturally to her but one that she hasn’t really been able to take over since high school. She's been solid there so far, committing just one error through 26 games.

“I really want to take on a leadership role and help the team in any way that I can,” said Davis. “Since I am in that shortstop position, I do get to command the field. I want to do anything that I can to contribute to the team’s overall success.”

Davis, who also has eight home runs and 23 RBI for Tennessee so far this season, believes that this year’s Lady Vols squad has all of the qualities that it takes to get back to the Women’s College World Series for the first time since 2015.

“Our ultimate goal is to be in Oklahoma City and be the team that is the last one standing.”

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