Due to the cancellation of the spring sports season, members of the Class of 2020 are missing out on their own special Senior Day experience.  In light of that, we will be spotlighting them here on SJUHawks.com as the spring semester winds down.

Senior Spotlight: Mikala Davis, Women's Lacrosse

Davis, a goalkeeper from Murray, Utah, joined the Hawks for the 2020 season as a transfer out of Westminster College.  She started all seven games for the Hawks this season, posting a 4-3 record while making 69 saves.

"Although I have only known Mikala for a year, I am so grateful for that one year," said senior defender Caroline Heath.  "She came onto this team with such an amazing attitude and work ethic that made such an impact on the team.  We were locker buddies and I don't think there was ever a day that I heard an ounce of negativity from her.  Mikala was a great addition to the team both on and off the field and I am so glad to have been able to play with her and have her as a friend."

"Mikala joined the team just this past fall, and has added a ton to every aspect on and off the field," said senior Laura Lasprogata.  "Mikala brought lots of energy and a positive attitude every day; she was always sharing various stories of her life which would motivate us.  Playing defense with Mikala, I was always confident with her behind me.  She has a very loud voice and strong presence, which was intimidating to other teams.  Mikala never failed to answer Coach Kahoe's frequent question of "Is everyone okay?" honestly.  Many times everyone would be thinking something and never say it, but Mikala would speak for us all.  I am so thankful Mikala joined us on Hawk Hill this year and that I had the opportunity to play with her.

"P.S. Mikala, we are still waiting on the chocolate chip cookie recipe!"

What is your favorite Saint Joseph's lacrosse memory?
I would have to say the Towson game. Coming back from being down at halftime to winning in the final seconds was one of the best feelings. 
 
How would you like to be remembered as a member of the Saint Joseph's lacrosse team?
I want to be remembered as someone who was completely dedicated to simply doing my very best every time I walked on the field. 

What has being a member of the Saint Joseph's lacrosse program taught you?
My opportunity to be a Hawk was an unexpected blessing. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would transfer my senior year to a program as prestigious and rigorous as SJU. My time with the Hawks taught me to take every chance you get to live your life to the very fullest. My teammates taught me to laugh and to remember that every challenge you face is worth it. I learned how to be fearless even when I wanted to let myself be scared, and my time as an athlete for the women's lacrosse program gave me memories I will treasure for the rest of my life. 

What will you take out of your involvement with the Saint Joseph's lacrosse program moving forward?
Do not ever shy away from great opportunities even if they require unprecedented sacrifices, and be grateful every single day. The end of my senior season was unforeseen and I'm so grateful I tried to make the most of every single day I was given.
 
What is your funniest memory of your time at SJU?  
When Sam wore fake bangs to practice and convinced almost everyone she got her hair cut like that the day before. Like, who even does that? 

Who that you have played with at SJU fits the following categories? 
• Best dancer: Taylor Newman-Farr. Hands down. 
• Best dressed: I have to say my locker mate, Caroline Heath. She'll probably get picked up as a Nike model any day now. 
• Favorite teammate's shooting song: Bridget Cerciello's. I can't remember what song it was anymore, and maybe it's just because she was scoring a lot so I heard it the most, I don't know. 
• Your go-to lacrosse celebration: I just try not to be too awkward, honestly. A good fist pump can never be undervalued if you ask me.

"Mikala brought solid leadership and presence to our goal cage this season," head coach Alex Kahoe said.  "She was the backbone of our defense and instilled confidence in her teammates throughout the field. She is a true student of the game and continued to work hard and wants to be the best she can be. Mikala is the true essence of a lacrosse love story.  She came to us from a Division II school in Utah and flew to Philadelphia to make a start at a Division I school.  Scary as that may have been, she rose to the challenge with great maturity and strength and this was clearly seen on the field.  Mikala made her mark at SJU and as a D-I lacrosse goalie."