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Little League legend Mo'ne Davis makes college choice

Mo'ne Davis will play softball at Hampton University beginning in the spring of 2020. (AP)
Mo’ne Davis will play softball at Hampton University beginning in the spring of 2020. (AP)

It feels like only yesterday Mo’ne Davis was the talk of the sports world after leading the Taney Dragons of South Philadelphia to the Little League World Series. Now she’s getting ready to go off to college.

According to The Philadelphia Tribune, the Little League legend revealed Tuesday that she will attend Hampton University next fall. And yes, sports will be a big part of her college experience. She will be a member of Hampton’s softball team.

A star was born

Davis first introduced herself to the sports world during the summer of 2014. The then 13-year-old pitcher was the driving force behind the Taney Dragons’ incredible run to the Little League World Series.

Every time Davis pitched, it became a must-see event. ESPN drew a single-game Little League World Series broadcast record of nearly five million viewers for Davis’ second televised start.

While Davis wasn’t the first girl to play at the Little League World Series, she became the first to ever pitch a shutout at the yearly showcase. Davis used her 70-mph fastball to strike out eight batters in a complete game 4-0 win over Tennessee. Davis’ team fell one win short of playing for the United States championship.

Davis’ success and impressive poise made her an immediate star. She made the cover of Sports Illustrated, got a book deal and made several award show appearances as a recipient and a presenter.

Though she’s willingly stepped out of the spotlight to focus on her education in the years since, Davis has remained active in sports. She is currently a three-sport star at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, where she plays soccer, basketball and softball. She’s also continued dominating as a pitcher at youth baseball events.

Tough college decision

The Philadelphia Tribune story says Davis was highly sought after as a softball prospect. She ultimately chose Hampton over Bethune-Cookman University, Southern University, Coppin State University, the University of Massachusetts and the University of Pennsylvania.

Education was the driving force behind the decision, according to her parents. Hampton’s communications department was the deciding factor.

It’s really great to see that as the spotlight has dimmed, Davis has been able to focus to keep life in perspective. That’s not always easy for athletes or actors who become famous early in life. But Davis is focused on what matters most, and will undoubtedly make an even bigger impact in the future as a result.

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