At 22, Shannon Davis has already proven that she is both a winner and a leader.
She is an All-CIAA performer in bowling and softball. She is president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, former president of the Sports Management Program, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
She is also a cancer survivor, having battled bone cancer and won. And now the senior from Detroit has earned the National Collegiate Athletic Association title of 2005 NCAA Woman of the Year for the state of North Carolina. As one of 51 state winners from a national pool, she now will compete against 10 finalists for the national title, which will be announced on Oct. 29.
“Personally, I am not surprised in the least at the selection of Shannon as a finalist,” Tonia Walker, WSSU’s associate director of athletics and senior woman administrator, said. “She exemplifies not only what a student-athlete is, but what a quality person is. She is not only a standout athlete and student, but a standout person with exceptional character.”
Davis follows in the footsteps of her sister, Heather, who was chosen as a state finalist last year. This marks the second time and second consecutive year that a WSSU athlete has been chosen as a state finalist.
“There are so many great universities in North Carolina,” Davis said, “so just to be nominated was a accomplishment for me and my family.”
Of her sister, who was instrumental in her decision to attend WSSU, Davis said: “She is definitely a motivating factor. I look up to her the most because she was an athlete and also went to WSSU.” Davis added that she feels “blessed to follow in her footsteps, and it is an honor within itself.”
Standing 5 feet 4 inches tall, Davis’ personal story is compelling. “I had to drop out of high school because I was diagnosed with cancer as a junior, and had to take chemotherapy for two years” said Davis, whose cancer is now in remission. But she believes that anything is possible.
“With love in your heart, with faith in your soul and trust in the Lord, you can overcome anything.”
The selection of the 10 finalists for the national award will be based on grade-point average, athletic achievements and community service.