Episode #477
Josie Davis: From Owyhee State Champion to College Basketball Player | Ep. 477
What does it take to go from an Idaho high school state champion to playing college basketball? On Episode 477 of The Gametime Guru , Shane Larson sits down with Josie Davis , a former Owyhee High School standout from Meridian, Idaho, and current college basketball player at Fort Lewis College . Josie was a four-year letterwinner at Owyhee High School and capped off her prep basketball career as a state champion and State Tournament MVP . She earned multiple All-Conference and All-State honors while also competing at a high level in track and field. But Josie's story goes far beyond championships and awards. In this conversation, Josie gives athletes, parents and coaches an inside look at what it actually takes to make the jump from high school sports to college athletics. We discuss: When Josie realized she wanted to become a college athlete The extra work she put in outside of normal basketball practices The sacrifices high school athletes may have to make to reach the next level Owyhee High School's run to an Idaho state basketball championship How Josie handled pressure during the state tournament Why she believes young athletes should compete in multiple sports How track and field helped improve her explosiveness, athleticism and rebounding The biggest differences between high school basketball and college basketball Transitioning from point guard to shooting guard at Fort Lewis College Why defense has always been one of the foundations of her game Why young basketball players need to actually watch high-level basketball What a typical day looks like for a college student-athlete Her routine of working toward 300 made three-pointers per day Balancing basketball, lifting, conditioning, classes and studying Why athletes need to remember they are more than their sport The biggest life lesson basketball has taught her Her future goals in occupational therapy and working with children Josie also explains just how different the college game becomes. The speed increases. The physicality increases. Every player was successful at the level they came from, which means competition for playing time becomes even more intense. For Josie, that transition also meant learning an entirely new role. After playing point guard throughout high school, she moved to shooting guard at Fort Lewis and began developing into more of a scoring threat while continuing to take pride in her defense. One of the biggest lessons from this episode is the importance of doing the work that nobody requires you to do. Extra shooting. Extra training. Strength work. Watching basketball. Learning the game. Prioritizing academics. Showing up on the days when you may not feel like doing it. Josie shares how that mentality helped take her from Owyhee High School basketball in Meridian, Idaho to becoming a college basketball player. And while athletics are a major part of her life, Josie also offers an important perspective for student-athletes: you are more than your sport. She is currently studying health sciences and plans to pursue a master's degree with the goal of becoming an occupational therapist and eventually working with children with disabilities. If you're a high school athlete wondering what it takes to play college basketball , a parent helping your athlete navigate the process, a coach developing young players, or simply a basketball fan who enjoys learning from athletes who are currently living the journey, this episode is for you. Guest: Josie Davis Position: Guard High School: Owyhee High School – Meridian, Idaho College: Fort Lewis College Sport: Women's Basketball The Gametime Guru brings you conversations with athletes, coaches and sports professionals from around the world to help you see sports through a different lens. What time is it? GAMETIME.
