When the goalkeeper for the Cate girls soccer team was unable to play in a match against Laguna Blanca, Mel Davidson didn’t hesitate in volunteering to step into the role.
Davidson hadn’t played the position since the 6th grade, but she didn’t let that get in the way of doing what was necessary to help her team.
She delivered, stopping a Laguna penalty kick to help the Rams win the match, 4-1.
“That, in a nutshell, is what it’s like to coach and work with Mel,” said Cate Athletic Director Wade Ransom during the presentation of Davidson being honored as Cate’s recipient of the Phil Womble Ethics in Sports Award during Monday’s Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Press Luncheon.
Davidson also plays volleyball and earned first-team All-Tri-Valley League honors this past fall.
Ransom said he received several compliments from opposing coaches and players and game officials about Davidson’s “infectiously positive attitude, role-model behavior and love of competition” during the volleyball season.
“I get more compliments about her demeanor in the gym than any student we’ve had in my 16 years in this position,” he said of the Rams’ junior captain. “You walk into the gym and watch her play and you know that it’s something special. Great players can perform on the court, right? All-time players make their entire team better through their attitude and example. And Mel is an all-time player.”
The daughter of Grace Huener and Todd Davidson is a standout in the classroom, too. She carries a 4.2 GPA, carrying a class load that includes advanced math, biology, Spanish, English and history.
In addition to athletics, Davidson is involved in other parts of campus life. She belongs to the Environmental and Philosophy clubs and participates in the Orkeeswa Project, a program where Cate students work with a school in Tanzania to fundraise money to provide opportunities for kids in the area to receive a fulfilling education.
Davidson also participates in Cate’s weekly Public Service Night, spending time with residents at Stevens House, a facility for adults with mental disabilities in Santa Barbara.
“She does amazing things in every aspect of her life,” said Ransom. “I know if Phil Womble was here, he would be really proud that Mel is our awardee.”
Dave Pintard of the Pintard Group is the sponsor of the Phil Womble Ethics in Sports Award.
Hop Studios
You must be logged in to post a comment.