University of Georgia Athletics
With Perseverance And Determination, Davis Leads Gymdogs
February 19, 2015 | Gymnastics
By Ann Drinkard
A student. A gymnast. A leader. In her final tour as a Gymdog, senior Chelsea Davis looks at each meet as an opportunity. "No pressure, just excitement," Davis says.
Davis has had 10 surgeries throughout her gymnastic career, but she comes back each time with determination to continue. She's balancing one of the harder semesters that she has faced during her time at Georgia, but the real challenge in all of this: being a vocal leader.
As the Georgia Gymdogs approach their last four meets of the regular season, head coach Danna Durante knows that Davis' voice is what the team needs most to turn the corner. Durante knows that if words don't come easy, it's natural to want the gymnastics ability to do the talking.
"It's vastly important," Durante said. "I think that makes a difference for this team. The more she is vocal and has action behind that, the stronger this team becomes and the more confident they are."
Davis, who is currently tied for 11th in the country on bars, claims her bars routine to be easier than standing in front of her teammates in a position of leadership. In the past, the leadership qualities were there, but silently, leading her team by example. Her teammates agree that she has always been a leader by example, but this year her voice has served as a source of motivation.
"This year, I've definitely had to take a step outside of my comfort zone and become more of a vocal leader and say what's on my mind," Davis said.
Demetria Hunte, a senior on the team, can see that Davis has come into the role of using her voice to lead. Hunte credits Davis' consistent routine and mindset for providing confidence to their team in moments of pressure.
"When we're on the floor, she's just like, 'Let's go,'" Hunte said. "She's not going to be wavered in any way."
Dealing with injuries since the age of 13, Davis has learned perseverance. She accepted them as part of her situation, figuring out how to deal the hand she is dealt, because for Davis, giving the sport up was never an option.
"I think a lot of people think I'm crazy for going through what I have and some of the things that are wrong with my body," Davis said. "I couldn't consider giving the sport up. I love it so much. I know that if somewhere inside of me that I can keep doing it, then I can't imagine not, no matter what's going on."
The mental strength that is required from a gymnast in abundant. It's a quality that either exists or doesn't. Physical toughness is important, yes, but mental toughness most of the time proves to be the more important.
"She's by far got to be one of the toughest people I know," Durante said. "She's tough as nails and she doesn't let any adversity get in her way. She sets her mind to something and she's going to prove it to you. She has a mission and a goal."
Her toughness and perseverance are the two qualities that will continue to carry her in her role as a vocal leader. Durante challenges Davis on a weekly basis, encouraging her to take the next step. She is adjusting day-by-day.
"She's doing a fantastic job and she's still got more in her," Durante knows.
On Friday, Feb. 20 the Gymdogs will face Alabama in Stegeman Coliseum at 7 p.m. This meet will be televised on the SEC Network.
Ann Drinkard is a junior from Commerce, Ga., who is majoring broadcast journalism and also pursuing a sport media certificate from UGA's Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. She is in her second year as a student assistant with the UGA Sports Communications office.
"Coming Attractions" is a weekly feature published on georgiadogs.com spotlighting a UGA student-athlete who will be competing in a key home event during the upcoming weekend. Previous stories include:
August 28 - David Andrews (football vs. Clemson)
September 4 - Carly Hamilton (cross country in Bulldog Invitational)
September 11 - Tirah Leau (volleyball in Benson Hospitality Invitational)
September 18 - Mariel Gutierrez (soccer vs. Vanderbilt)
September 25 - Toby Johnson (football vs. Tennessee)
October 2 - Emma Sonnett (soccer vs. Tennessee)
October 9 - Jared Markham (swimming & diving vs. Alabama)
October 16 - Gaby Smiley (volleyball vs. Kentucky and Tennessee)
October 23 - Bella Hartley (soccer vs. Kentucky)
October 30 - Olivia Ball & Ian Forlini (swimming & diving vs. Florida)
November 6 - Megan Spencer (volleyball vs. Arkansas)
November 13 - Kolton Houston (football vs. Auburn)
November 20 - Yante Maten (men's basketball vs. Troy & FAU)
November 27 - Damian Swann (football vs. Georgia Tech)
December 4 - Marjorie Butler (women's basketball vs. Michigan State)
December 18 - Tiaria Griffin (women's basketball vs. Furman)
December 25 - International Bulldogs (men's basketball vs. Mercer)
January 7 - Maddie Locus (women's swimming & diving vs. Texas)
January 14 - Shacobia Barbee (women's basketball vs. Vanderbilt)
January 21 - Caroline Brinson (women's tennis in ITA Kickoff Weekend)
January 28 - Nathan Pasha (men's tennis vs. UCLA and Southern Cal)
February 4 - Sara Parr (equestrian vs. South Carolina)
February 11 - Cortni Emanuel (softball in Bulldog Invitational)