Born: 2001 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Biography:
Mo’ne Ikea Davis was born on June 24, 2001, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is an American former Little League Baseball pitcher and current Hampton University softball player. Davis made history as one of two girls who played in the 2014 Little League World Series. She became the first girl to earn a win and to throw a shutout in the history of the Little League World Series. Additionally, she was the 18th girl overall to play and the sixth to get a hit in the tournament. Davis gained widespread attention and became a role model for young girls interested in sports.
Davis grew up with her mother, Lakeisha McLean, and stepfather, Mark Williams, after moving in with them at the age of six. In 2008, Steve Bandura, the program director for the Marian Anderson Recreation Center, noticed Davis displaying her athletic skills while playing football with her cousins and older brother. Impressed by her natural talent, Bandura invited Davis to join a basketball practice at the center.
Davis’s performance during the practice amazed Bandura, and he recognized her potential. She quickly became Bandura’s best basketball player, despite being the only girl on the team. Davis also excelled in other sports, including baseball and soccer. Impressed by her skills, Bandura, along with other sponsors, helped Davis transfer to Springside Chestnut Hill Academy.
By 2011, Davis was already playing multiple sports, serving as a point guard in basketball and excelling as a pitcher, shortstop, and third baseman in baseball. However, her journey as a pitcher began unexpectedly when she was asked to substitute for an outfielder in the Little League. Davis’s talent on the mound quickly became apparent, and she embraced her new role.
While Davis gained notable recognition as a Little League pitcher, basketball remained her primary sport. She aspired to become a professional basketball player and dreamt of playing for the UConn Huskies at the University of Connecticut, following in the footsteps of Maya Moore, a UConn alumna who went on to play in the WNBA.
In 2014, Davis became the first Little League baseball player to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated. Her incredible achievements and undeniable talent made her a captivating figure in the world of sports and beyond. Davis’s success inspired young girls everywhere to pursue their passions and challenge societal norms.
In 2015, Davis released a memoir titled Mo’ne Davis: Remember My Name, co-written with Hilary Beard. This book allowed her to share her inspiring journey and the lessons she learned along the way.
Davis’s influence extended beyond the sports world. In collaboration with the brand M4D3 (Make A Difference Everyday), she designed a line of sneakers for girls, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Plan International’s Because I Am a Girl initiative. Davis used her platform to advocate for gender equality and empower young girls to pursue their dreams.
Today, Mo’ne Davis continues to make an impact both on and off the field. She is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and breaking barriers. Through her incredible athletic accomplishments and unwavering dedication, Davis has left an indelible mark on women’s history and is an inspiration for generations to come.
Awards:
– First girl to earn a win and throw a shutout in Little League World Series history
– 18th girl to play in Little League World Series
– Sixth girl to get a hit in Little League World Series
– First Little League baseball player to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated
– Collaboration with M4D3 to design a line of sneakers for girls, supporting Plan International’s Because I Am a Girl initiative