Davanee McNairy named Girls Athlete of the Year

In her final season wearing black and gold, senior Davanee McNairy embodied what it means to be a Rocket athlete. Commonly recognized by her signature space buns and loud voice on the field, number five made an impact during her time on both the varsity field hockey and lacrosse teams. Her athleticism and leadership skills were highlighted during her senior season.

Through a season of highs and lows, the dual sport varsity captain kept her composure on and off the field as she focused on inspiring the younger players to improve their skills. McNairy’s time playing for RM will be remembered by her spirited leadership and determined play. 

“She leads by example, using her skills and abilities to score goals, play defense and rally the team,” varsity girls lacrosse coach Sid Caesar said. “She has helped with the development of the girls lacrosse team providing positive influence to the varsity and junior varsity teams. She led the fight on the field until the final horn sounded.” 

RM girls varsity lacrosse had a tough season as their schedule consisted of talented competition, such as the reigning state champions BCC. The losses and injuries did not hinder McNairy’s love and persistence for the game. The tenacity she demonstrated throughout the season did not go unnoticed as she helped to inspire her teammate to keep going forward.

“The energy she brings to the team makes playing sports so much more fun. Before every game she would lead the team cheer with a loud, uplifting voice,” sophomore girls varsity lacrosse and field hockey player Catherine Nguyen said. “She was the heart of the team spirit. Dave has had a huge impact both on and off the field.” 

McNairy worked relentlessly throughout the season to keep spirits high. She even bought everyone warm up shirts that read encouraging messages such as “work.” These served as reminders to keep working hard and stay confident in the team’s abilities. Throughout the season she made sure to encourage and cheer on her teammates no matter the score or outcome.

“My most memorable moment with Dave was during the Damascus game when she screamed ‘Meredith showed up tonight’,” sophomore girls varsity lacrosse and field hockey goalie Meredith Kearns said. “When Dave is on the field she is a force. She doesn’t allow the score to impact the effort she puts into the game.” 

Off the field, McNairy dedicates her time in the gym working to better her game through strength and speed training. During the fall field hockey season she would have strength training before most practices. Even though field hockey was never her main sport she always showed up to practice ready to work hard and have fun. 

“The most memorable part of playing with her is her work ethic, she is constantly getting better and striving to work hard no matter what,” senior girls varsity field hockey player Reese West said. “She has such an incredible drive to be great and she really is.”

McNairy’s constant drive to get better and help her team off and on the field were main factors in naming her Athlete of the Year. She used her wealth of experience to step into a leadership role that was dedicated to setting her teams up for success in the future. 

In a culmination of her talent and dedication to lacrosse, McNairy will be playing Division one lacrosse at Kent State University on an athletic scholarship. Next year she will help the Golden Flashes as they compete in the Middle Athletic Conference (MAC) and look to defend their regular season MAC championship. Her Rocket family will be cheering her on as moves on to the chapter in her academic and athletic career. 

“Davanee has a love for lacrosse that is unmatched on our team. I am really looking forward to seeing her progress at the next level, both in the classroom and on the lacrosse field,” Coach Caesar said.