University of Rio Grande

Sports Information

 

WILLOW WOOD — University of Rio Grande director of track and field and cross country Steve Gruenberg has announced the signing of Symmes Valley Lady Vikings’ senior Nicole Davis.

Davis, a 5-foot-2 distance runner, was a three-year basketball player for the Lady Vikings during her prep career, but is relatively new to the running game.

“Nicole is someone who has never ran in formal track or cross country in high school. She’s ran in 5K road races with friends,” Gruenberg said.

“But, I think that her times will come down dramatically with someone coaching her besides herself. I think that she’ll develop down the road into a good runner and will end up surprising herself with what she can accomplish.”

Davis is giddy about the chance being presented to her.

“I’m honored to be given this opportunity. I’m excited and can’t wait to start,” Davis said. “Since I was a little girl, I’ve always wanted to do something athletically in college.”

Davis, who has yet to decide on a field of study, was also a cheerleader at Symmes Valley for three years as well as a four-year member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and a member of the Ohio Southern Women’s Conference.

“I’ve always wanted to go to school at Rio Grande,” Davis said. “I’ve heard how wonderful the track and cross country programs are there.”

Davis said she’s eager to learn as much as she can and apply those lessons to her performance.

“I just want to do my best and, hopefully, give the coaches everything they are looking for out of me,” Davis said.

“I know I’m going to receive some criticism, but I’m hoping to better myself through it and learn how to do things the right way. I just want to learn all that I can and keep getting better.”

Davis is the daughter of Stacie and Jamie Davis of Waterloo.