By Mackynlie Conklin | HPU Junior, Collin Davis, was involved in a roll over crash last semester while traveling back from a baseball tournament against Hawaiian Pacific University.
Davis was one of the two seriously injured athletes in the crash, and was unable to participate in the 2019 season.
Thankfully, Davis is now fully recovered and has high hopes for the 2020 baseball season.
“I’m excited for [the season]. We have a lot of new talent, great teammates, and friends who encourage each other every day,” said Davis.
Davis is ready to go all in this season, but he wanted to share his story as an encouragement to his peers.
The crash took a huge toll on Davis.
“Things were harder physically, there were a lot of precautions I had to take, and everyday I’m still faced with soreness that I have to overcome. Mentally, there are a lot of challenges,” Davis said reflecting on his recovery.
However, Davis is thankful for the benefits that came from the experience.
“The crash allowed me to take time to grow my relationship with my coaches, and my teammates. We all went through [the crash] as a team, and it made us appreciate the brotherhood we’ve built even more.”
Davis gives all the glory of his recovery and the unity of the HPU Baseball team to God.
“Whenever there is success, I send all the glory up-stairs. When I fail or have a setback, I give Him thanks for a humbling experience and the opportunity to grow,” Davis said while reflecting on his past semester.
Being from Comanche, when Davis was looking at colleges to attend, Howard Payne was not at the top of the list. However, after receiving a call from the HPU Baseball Coach, Stephen Lynn, Davis decided to take a tour and knew HPU was the perfect fit for him.
“It just felt like [HPU] was where I needed to be. I knew the next chapter of my life was going to involve a close community and an opportunity to walk closer with God while receiving a great education close to home and having the opportunity to play baseball,” said Davis.
Howard Payne has been the perfect place for Davis to thrive as a Christian athlete, both on and off the field. Aside from baseball, Davis is a member of Fellowship for Christian Athletes (FCA) which allows him to share his faith with his fellow teammates and other athletes on campus.
After finishing his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice, Davis hopes to go into law enforcement following in his father’s footsteps, police officer of a 30-years. Davis plans to join the Texas State Department of Public Safety and be a State Trooper, eventually becoming a Texas Ranger.
The first HPU Baseball home game will be at 12 p.m. Feb. 15. Make sure to go out to a game, and cheer on Collin Davis and the rest of the HPU baseball team this upcoming season!