For sophomore setter Reese Davis, reaching 1,000 career assists was more than just a personal achievement, it was a reflection of her team’s growth and success. After a season filled with determination and a shared focus on winning, Davis’s moment came after a hard-fought victory over Jonesboro, marking the culmination of both individual effort and collective teamwork. But when the moment finally arrived, it wasn’t the milestone that Davis celebrated, it was the way the accomplishment brought her closer to her team and reminded her of the value of her role.
“I was really happy and really honored when I realized I achieved this accomplishment,” Davis said. “I tracked it towards the beginning of the season, but coming up to State, I just kind of stopped. It became more of a team thing, and I focused on that.”
As the season continued on and the stakes grew higher, Davis shifted her focus more toward the team’s success rather than her own personal success. In the middle of the match against Jonesboro, Davis accomplished 1,000 season assists and was rewarded afterward with a plaque.
“After the game, we all came to the locker room, and Coach Loyd told us,” Davis said. “Everyone was really excited.”
The celebration was subdued but meaningful. She chose to spend the evening celebrating with the people who had always supported her. It was a small recognition of a big moment, and to her, it felt right.
“I just hung out with my family that night,” Davis said. “My sister got me a cake, but yeah, that was it.”
For her, that was enough. Though she received a plaque with her name and “1,000 Assists” etched onto it, Davis acknowledged that the true value of the accomplishment wasn’t in the physical award, but in what it represented.
“It’s kind of like a self-honor,” Davis said. “It really gives me a confidence boost. You don’t always realize how much is happening until you’re awarded for it.”
Davis’s 1,000 assists weren’t just a personal milestone, it was an integral part of the team’s success. As a setter, her primary role was to run a solid, quick offense in order for her teammates to score, and the accomplishment reflected the collective effort of the entire squad.
“I don’t think it personally affects the success of the team,” Davis said. “But I think it shows how successful we’ve been, setting up a bunch of kills and playing well together as a team.”
When Davis received congratulations from her coaches, the praise was as much about the team’s success as it was about her individual feat.
“Coach Loyd told me she was really proud of me,” Davis said. “Then Coach Johnson gave me a high five and a hug. It was really nice.”
The recognition from her coaches meant a lot, but she knew that her success wouldn’t have been possible without her teammates. With a thousand assists behind her, Davis is already looking ahead. Her volleyball career is far from over, and she’s ready to take on the challenges of her club season and next year’s junior year.
“I’ve got Club season coming up,” Davis said. “And next year, I hope to get close to 2,000 assists.”
Davis is confident in her abilities and focused on the future, knowing there are still more assists to come, more victories to claim, and more milestones to achieve. For Davis, the journey isn’t about the numbers, it’s about the process and the teams that will continue to stand alongside her.
“It’s really about the team,” Davis said. “With the support of my coaches, teammates, and family, I know my journey is only just beginning.”