Fresno State Athletics
Versatility and Experience
4/7/2000 12:00:00 AM | Softball
April 7, 2000
FRESNO, Calif. - At Hanford High School, Stefani Davis was a two-sport athlete in basketball and softball. She started at first base for the varsity team her entire career and she even took the pitching circle occasionally as well. Davis earned All-West Yosemite League honors four times, Kings-Tulare County All-Area two times and participated in the 1997 Central Valley all-star game.
Davis was not heavily recruited following her career at Hanford. So, she moved onto the College of the Sequoias in Visalia. There she continued to establish herself as a competitor under former Bulldog All-American and COS head coach Michelle Bolt.
"Bolt was behind me all the way," Davis said. "She gave me great encouragement. Here at Fresno State the system is similar. Bolt really laid the foundation for me to play at the Division I level."
At COS, Davis took on major responsibilities. She was a two-year pitcher and posted a 21-14 record as a freshman. The reason for such a huge record: She was the only pitcher.
"I didn't pitch that much in high school, but I had to at COS," Davis said. "It was really hard because it was up to me every game to set the tone and give a good performance. That experience has definitely made me stronger, though."
It is quite a feat to carry a team for two years and that alone was cause to recognize Davis as a two-time All-Central Valley Conference selection.
Now Davis is taking on a new role. As a utility player with two years of junior college experience, she can play both first base and the outfield, making her one of the more versatile athletes on the squad.
"I am supporting my teammates 100 percent," Davis said. "Whoever is out on the field, I've got to be totally behind them."
However, she has had to adjust to the new level of play exhibited on the field.
"There's a big difference playing here," Davis said. "Pitchers have a lot more movement on the ball and deliver with greater velocity."
But making adjustments are only small barriers. She said her maturity allows her to adapt to any situation and make it into a positive experience.
"My mental toughness is good now," Davis said. "Coming out of high school I would get frustrated easily, but now nothing bothers me to much and I just go out there and work hard everyday."
