Tate Davis, a sophomore infielder for the South Carolina Gamecocks softball team, has found a sense of belonging after transferring from Ole Miss. Although she grew up in Greer, South Carolina, less than an hour from Clemson, Davis said her loyalty was always with South Carolina.
“I grew up in Tiger town, but I grew up a Carolina fan,” Davis said. “I can say that confidently. My parents went to law school here, and my brother played baseball for (South Carolina alumnus) Landon Powell at North Greenville University. I had a lot of connections to bring me back.”
Davis credited associate head coach Katie Browder as one of the main reasons for her transfer. Browder had previously recruited Davis to Ole Miss when she was an assistant there.
“When I entered the portal, I wanted to come home because I knew the type of culture they had here,” Davis said. “I really do believe that the coaches care deeply about us. I just believed that this is where God wanted me to be.
“The campus and all of that didn’t matter as much to me. I had a list of questions when I was entering the portal. Coach Katie was my first call about one minute after I entered portal, and before I could really ask anything, she had answered all of my questions. Everything I wanted to know, they told me. I just knew!”
Since joining the team, Davis has connected with her teammates over shared interests such as Harry Potter movies and practicing faith together.
“I’m a huge Harry Potter nerd,” Davis said. “So, is my roommate JAM (Jamie Mackay), who transferred with me from me Ole Miss. My dog is named Dobby after the house elf.
“My faith is very important to me, too. We have bible study as a team. The girls make it so you don’t feel obligated to do anything. It’s player-led. We just say, if you want to come to bible study, that’s great. If you don’t, that’s fine too. Our teammates know that we love each other unconditionally, and that means that no matter who you are or what you believe in, I love you just the same. I love playing softball with you, and first and foremost we are teammates, and we’re a family. There’s no judgement ever passed. Everybody is just so welcoming. I’ve grown in my faith so much since I’ve been here. I thank God every day that I have the opportunity to play softball and wake up and get to live out my dreams. We have the freedom to be who we are.”
Davis comes from an athletic background; her mother Joy was a four-time All-American swimmer at Ohio University while her father Dodd ran track at Furman University. Her two older brothers also played baseball.
“I started playing baseball when I was three and started playing softball when I was six,” David said. “It reminded me of home and my family. To this day, I still have joy playing softball. I do love to hit. That’s my passion. I’m a competitor. I don’t like to lose. I’m full of energy. I think I’m a dangerous hitter.
“One of the main conversations I’ve had with my teammates is that it’s OK to fail. We’re in a sport where you fail a lot. I think the coaches have made it to be a great and safe environment where you can come to compete every day, and if you’re not executing, you figure out how to do it without fear of judgement. It’s an amazing place to grow.”
Davis maintains close relationships with both parents and allows her father input on some personal aspects like choosing one walk-up song each year.
“My parents are my superheroes,” Davis said.“My dad and I talk daily.He’s the most selfless person I’ve ever met.He took me day or night to hit or field any time i needed it in high school.He started teaching me about mental toughness and how take care business.With mom,it’s same thing.She’s always given me great support system.I just lucked out won parent lottery.”
“I’m so excited to be here this year.I think we have something special.I just know I’m in right place.”
