‘I felt most at home’ Warriors star will play Division I basketball in Hawaii

WASILLA — As one of Alaska’s top girls’ basketball players throughout her high school career, Olivia Davies had a variety of options at the next level. After a visit to Honolulu, Hawaii, earlier this year, Davies knew exactly where she wanted to begin the next chapter of her life.

Wednesday, Davies, a Mat-Su Career and Technical High School senior and star on the Wasilla Warriors girls’ basketball team, made if official. Davies signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Hawaii and play for its Division I women’s basketball program.

“It’s really about the atmosphere,” Davies said during a ceremony at Mat-Su Career Tech. “I really enjoyed being down there with the coaches and the girls. It really felt like I was part of a family, and that is huge.”

Davies, a 5-foot-9 guard, helped lead Wasilla to three straight trips to the ASAA 4A state title games during her first three years of her prep career. Davies and the Warriors won it all in 2016 and 2017, and finished as the runner-up last season. She is a three-time first-team all-state selection, and was named the Northern Lights Conference Player of the Year as a sophomore and junior. Davies has been seen as a Division I prospect since she hit the floor as a high school player, but said more factored into her decision.

“It was where I felt most at home,” Davies said. “It’s paradise.”

Davies said UAA, Fresno State and Northern Colorado were also serious considerations.

Wasilla head coach Jeannie Hebert-Truax said she’s excited about the potential for Davies with the Hawaii program.

“If she gets in the right fit, and Hawaii looks to be the right fit, she could be pretty dominant,” Hebert-Truax said. “I have seen her do things most people can’t do.”

Hebert-Truax said versatility is key for Davies.

“She can shoot the ball, she can penetrate and she can play defense,” Hebert-Truax said. “She can jump, box out and get rebounds.”

Hebert-Truax praised Davies on her growth on and off the court. Off the court, Hebert-Truax said Davies has faced challenges with, “a great mentality and great personality.” On the court, in addition to her athletic gifts, Hebert-Truax said Davies has become a stronger leader.

Davies was also challenged by various injuries late in her junior year, but was able to help Wasilla win its fourth straight NLC title and play in its third straight state title game.

“One of the things last year, physically, her body was just wearing down on her,” Hebert-Truax said. “But she was able to maintain, trying to push through.”

Davies said the experience made her stronger.

“It was huge. It really taught me, no matter how much you are hurting, how much it hurts, you can do it. You can push through it to get to the ultimate goal, which was getting to the state championship game,” Davies said.

Davies said the Hawaii coaches have said they see her as an “attack guard,” and is expected to see time at both guard positions. Davies said she’ll continue focusing on her versatility during workouts.

“For games, do whatever it takes to win,” Davies said.

Contact Frontiersman editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.