The Springdale community enjoyed a momentous homecoming Feb. 24, as the Springdale vs. Bentonville game served as the stage to honor one of the Bulldog's most legendary athletes, Marquesha Davis.
"Marquesha had a historic career at SHS, including being our all-time leading scorer and rebounder," said Heather Hunsucker, Springdale High School basketball coach. "She earned many awards and recognitions during her time at SHS, but tonight we are going to celebrate all she accomplished after graduating."
Davis played for the University of Mississippi, where she became a 1,000-point scorer in the storied Southeastern Conference, scoring more than 20 points six times during conference play, Hunsucker said. During her senior year, she lead her team to the Sweet 16 in the National College Athletic Association tournament. Davis was also named a 1st team All-SEC player.
After graduating from Ole Miss, Davis was invited to the Women’s National Basketball Association draft in New York City in 2024. She was selected in the first round as the 11th overall WNBA Draft pick by the New York Liberty. During her first year, Davis and the New York Liberty won the WNBA Championship. Davis is the first-ever native-born Arkansas female to win a WNBA title and has also played professionally in China and Turkey.
The celebration began with a powerful video tribute that captured Davis' incredible rise, from her dominant high school highlights at Springdale High to her record-breaking tenure at Ole Miss.
"It's a blessing to be able to have people in my corner," Davis said, adding her appreciation for the school's new gym.
The evening remained high-energy as Davis spent the rest of the night interacting with the community and taking photos beneath her school jerseys with a long line of inspired fans.
It was a proud night for Springdale, honoring a hometown hero whose journey from the local gym to the professional stage proves exactly what is possible with hard work and heart.