In 1997, Auburn softball competed in its inaugural season. Throughout the 2022 campaign, we are celebrating the many faces, moments and victories that have shaped our program over the last 25 years.
As part of our 25 Years of Auburn Softball celebration, we're checking in with alumni from every era of the program to share their memories of being a Tiger.
Entering the circle is Lexi Davis (2013-16). Davis was a 2016 SEC Spring Academic Honor Roll selection and help carry Auburn to back-to-back Women's College World Series. The Charlotte, North Carolina, native ranks in the top 10 in 13 different Auburn career pitching categories.
Q: Why did you decide to continue your softball career at Auburn?
Davis: I fell in love with the school the minute I stepped on campus. I remember feeling this overwhelming sense of being home. I knew that if I never played softball again, I would be happy staying in Auburn and getting my degree. I was fortunate to have incredible memories on and off the field, and I knew from my first visit that I was going to be an Auburn Tiger.
Q: What is your favorite on-field memory?
Davis: Probably winning the SEC Championship in 2015. I have so many great on-field memories, but that one stands out. We had worked so hard to get to that spot. No one really thought we were going to be there except for the team and coaches. Going into extra innings with Tennessee and then beating them on a walk-off to win our first ever conference championship was a huge accomplishment. Then, of course, a walk-off grand slam in the championship series in 2016 was quite hard to top as well!
Q: What do you consider your biggest accomplishment during your collegiate career – on or off the field?
Davis: That is really hard to narrow down. I am so proud of my career, all my teammates and the memories I was able to create. Looking back, I guess being able to graduate early and earn my master's degree while still competing at such a high level will still be one of my greatest accomplishments. At the time it didn't feel that big, but now I can see that going through that type of rigorous schedule helped me grow in so many tremendous ways.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories with a teammate?
Davis: Honestly, I have too many to pick just one.
Q: Looking back at your career, what is one word you'd use to describe it?
Davis: Incredible. We went from not making the SEC tournament my freshman year to playing for a national championship three years later. That is quite the turnaround and something that doesn't happen very often. I can only use that word to describe what an amazing journey and evolution it was for all of us.
Q: Who influenced your softball career the most?
Davis: That's a hard question to answer. Overall? My parents. Without their support, the endless summer days, driving back and forth to lessons and practice, the money spent, I wouldn't be where I am today. They shaped me and helped me through all the good times and the bad. Then I had some amazing coaches like my first pitching coach and my high school coach. Then there are my college coaches who taught me more about the game of softball than I ever thought would have been possible. So really it was a community of people, and I am so thankful for them all.
Q: What was your favorite uniform combo?
Davis: Definitely the orange top and blue pants combo.
Q: What advice would you give to current/future Auburn softball student-athletes?
Davis: Trust the process and make sure your academics come first. Not everything is going to be sunshine and rainbows, so don't expect it to be. Work hard on your own and always be there for however the team needs you. That's how you get through the tough times and truly enjoy how amazing it is to be an Auburn athlete.
Q: If you can give a message to the Auburn Family, what would it be?
Davis: Thank you. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of such a special family and all the love and support you gave us through my four years there. It is imprinted on my heart and in my mind for the rest of my life. I wish I could come back and do it all again. Thanks to the fans and family and look forward to seeing Auburn softball continue to grow.
Q: What degree did you earn? What is your current career path?
Davis: Political science. I earned a master's in adult education. I also have a master's in exercise science. I am getting a master's in clinical mental health counseling and working towards my PhD to become a counseling psychologist. I want to become a professor and work with athletes as a sports psychologist.