John Constable, Jacksonville University women’s soccer coach, remembers student Stephanie Davis for her work ethic and infectious smile
One of her coaches at Tohopekaliga High School in Kissimmee, Chris Ford, described her as a “rock star” for the Tigers during her freshman year.
In both places, where she has impressed coaches and teammates with her athletic ability and charmed them with her exuberant personality, those who loved and respected Davis struggle to come to terms with her shock loss in a crash at U.S. 90 in Baker County on Sunday afternoon as they return. from a tubing trip near Lake City with her teammates that the university described as a “team bonding experience.”
Davis, 18, was killed, and seven other team members were injured in a single car crash when the driver of the SUV carrying all eight players veered off the shoulder of the road and was over-corrected, with the car flipping and landing. Passenger side, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report.
Davis was a passenger. The other players were described by the FHP as having “minor” injuries and three were treated in hospitals.
Everyone except Davis was listed as wearing their own safety restraints. The report noted that it was “unknown” if Davis was wearing it.
The driver is listed as a 20-year-old from Columbia, South Carolina
A spokesman for the Japanese university said that the identification of the injured players had not yet been made because the process of notifying families had not been completed. Just two hours before the accident, the university posted photos of the team at the Tubing Journey website on the women’s soccer Twitter account.
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Smiles were all over the place among the players as they emerged from the cool spring waters of Florida, their inner tubes within easy reach.
“The news that a young and promising young woman’s life has been cut is heartbreaking to hear,” Jacksonville University President Tim Coast said in a statement. “Stephanie was a smart, talented young woman who was loved by her colleagues, coaches, and professors here at Jacksonville University. As a college, we are focused on supporting her family and everyone who knew Stephanie, as we collectively mourn her loss.”
A memorial to Stephanie Davis at The Wave, Jacksonville University News Center
Constable said Davis hooked up with her teammates in just one season.
In his statement, he said, “Stephanie was a wonderful girl, well mannered, hard working and fun to be around. She seemed to enjoy life and being a part of our football program. She always had her big, bright smile.”
Alex Ricker-Gilbert, director of athletics at JU, said Davis made an impact in the relatively short time she was a student-athlete.
“We are extraordinarily saddened to share the news of the tragic death of Stephanie Davis, new member of the Women’s Soccer Program, on Sunday evening. Stephanie’s journey at JU has only just begun, but she will be greatly missed by her family, teammates, teammates and anyone else she has had the pleasure to know. On campus.
“Our deepest condolences go to Stephanie’s family, and we ask that you keep them and your team in your thoughts and prayers.”
Recent fatal accidents:
The accident occurred at about 3:40 p.m. on Sunday. The FHP report said that the driver, heading east on US 90, swerved onto the shoulder of the road, then over-directed it. When the car returned to the road, the driver missed the correction again and the car began to turn, flipped and landed on the passenger side.
Players are between 18 and 21 years old and are listed on the report as coming from Jacksonville; Belleville, Illinois; Edwardsville, Illinois; Pembroke Pines; Brampton, Ontario; and Owings Mills, Maryland.
Davis, whose residence is listed as Saint Cloud in the FHP accident report, was declared dead at Lake City Medical Center. Other players were treated there and at other facilities.
Davis played 11 games last season and participated in two games in attack. She played high school football at Tohopekaliga, was named captain of the team and earned All-Orange Belt Conference recognition as a senior.
She has also been a star on the track team, competing in the 100m and two relay teams.
“She was a stubborn player, very skilled,” Ford said. “She put our team on her back and left everything on the field in every game.”
Ford said she learned of Davis’ death when several of her schoolmates called her. She said grief counselors will be in Tohopekaliga on Tuesday to help out her teammates and her friend who are still in high school.
The university also provides grief counselors.
“They’re really struggling,” Ford said of Davis’ former teammates. “They were very close.”
Ford said Davis has been mentoring the younger players on the team via phone, email and social media.
“She was really helping them, telling them what it takes to succeed at the college level,” Ford said. “Going to Jacksonville was such an honor for her. It was very difficult for her. She was never given anything.”
Ford said Davis was also an excellent student and helped the Tohopekaliga football team achieve the team’s highest grade point average on campus.