One of the walk-ons to the TCU women’s basketball team thought her career on the court ended in high school until the Horned Frogs sent out a call for help. 

Guard Piper Davis played varsity basketball throughout her four years at Timberline High School in Boise, Idaho. Despite her love for the sport, Davis left basketball in Boise and came to Fort Worth to focus on academics. 

She is one of four athletes who came out of “college retirement” to answer the women’s basketball call for reinforcements after three players went down because of injuries. In addition to Davis, Sarah Sylvester, Ella Hamlin and Mekhayia Moore all became the newest members of the TCU women’s basketball team.  

When the message about the TCU women’s basketball team holding an open tryout was released, a friend forwarded it to Davis and asked: “Time to come out of retirement?”

Davis could not resist. 

“My family lives and breathes basketball,” Davis said. “It has been the biggest part of our lives, which is why I was so inspired to try out for TCU’s team. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Her father, Jarrod Davis, played at Gonzaga University. 

He was in Lubbock to watch his daughter play in a college game for the first time. 

A second chance

Davis said about 40 students participated in tryouts, and initially, they were told there were only two spots available. 

“I was not sure if I was going to get selected, but I was so happy when they called me in for a meeting to talk about my role,” Davis said. “Being chosen as one of four players to join the team has been the best experience so far–definitely challenging, but I like to push myself.”  

Davis’ high school coach, Andy Jones, said he wasn’t surprised to hear she was back on the court.

“We were always a smarter team when she was on the court,” Jones said. “She is a uniquely-talented guard and putting her on the opposing team’s best perimeter player was always a challenge she relished.”  

Davis said she’s glad to be part of the team. 

“I am most excited about meeting the girls and staff, as well as being able to lift at such an elite level,” Davis said. “I want to contribute in any way the coaching staff needs me, I am willing to be thrown in any drill or game if it means I am helping the team.”

“I am so excited to get a second chance to play some more basketball,” she said. “A great way to put it is that I am looking forward to resuming a part of my life that I thought was over.”