The Dixie State University women’s basketball team acknowledged its only senior during the season finale on March 5.
Shanaijah Davison, a senior communication studies major from Woodland, California, started her collegiate basketball career at Long Beach State and finished it at Dixie State University.
Long Beach State
Davison’s stats as a freshman reflect on her tremendous first season. During her 2017-2018 season, Davison led her team in averaging almost 14 points a game. Overall, she scored 400 points with 74 assists and 41 steals during the season.
Along with Davison’s leading statistics, she was selected to the Big West All-Freshman Team and earned honorable mention, All-Big West honors.
Her 2018-2019 season consisted of leading Long Beach State in points per game and steals and earning All-Big West Honorable Mention.
Davison’s time at Long Beach State came to an end after the 2019-2020 season. Over the three seasons, Davison became a member of the LBSU women’s basketball 1,000 point club and finished with 1,198 career points. She then decided to continue her basketball career at DSU.
“I chose Dixie State because it was a great opportunity to expand my game and create a new family,” Davison said.
Dixie State University
Despite having her 2020-2021 season cut short due to COVID-19, Davison was able to establish her place at DSU during her 2021-2022 season.
Davison had her season-high of 24 points against Chicago State on Jan. 29 and averaged 16.7 points throughout the season.
Both Head Coach JD Gustin and Associate Head Coach Matt Legerski complemented Davison on her athletic ability and efforts.
Gustin said Davison has a quickness, determination and work ethic that is very rare. Legerski said she is a dynamic athlete with superior quickness and athleticism that can get up and down the floor at exceptional speed.
Davison’s previous seasons and experiences helped her succeed at DSU.
“She’s a special kind of athlete,” Gustin said. “She brings experience… she has been through a lot of ups and downs in her college career.”
Legerski said Davison has been instrumental in helping the team throughout the DI season. Her leadership and experience are things the group has relied heavily upon.
Final collegiate game vs. Grand Canyon University
The Trailblazers played their final game of the season against Grand Canyon University but fell short in the end. Davison finished with 11 points, five rebounds and six assists.
“I have built a lot of confidence in myself and never giving up… and always just thinking next game, next play,” Davison said.
Her biggest role model during her basketball career is her grandpa.
“When I was 2.5 years old, he got me my first basketball, and that is where it all started. I feel like, without that, and without my grandpa, I wouldn’t be here,” Davison said.
Davison said the thing she will miss most about being a part of the basketball program is the people. She said that lifetime friendships and connections were made.
Davison plans to continue to play basketball as long as her body allows her. She is planning to further her career overseas.
