Mike Davenport: What You Didn't Know About Division II Scholarships?
Nov 17, 2015
Mike Davenport, Head Coach for the University of North Georgia won the 2015 Division II Women's College World Series and has coached the NPF's USSSA Pride.
Coach Davenport shares little known facts about Division II scholarships, specifically the HOPE Scholarship. Opportunity can be found at every level of softball, not limited to Division I. Get to know University of North Georgia Softball.
CS: Could you tell us a little about how the Division ll scholarships work in Georgia?
MD: Well, in the state of Georgia we have what they call the HOPE scholarship. When a young lady graduates from a Georgia high school with a 3.0 or better, the state of Georgia pays for her tuition at a state university school. For us dealing with 7.2 scholarships at the Division ll level doubles my money as much as possible scholarship wise.
CS: The majority of your roster is from Georgia. Do you have any players from out of state?
MD: We do this year. Last year on the team everybody on the team was from the state of Georgia. This year we’ve got two out of state kids that fit some needs that we had to have filled. But other than that, the state of Georgia just puts out so much talent at the high school and travel call level, it’s easy for us to stay in the state.
CS: You won a Division ll Championship last year. What is this next season looking like for North Georgia?
MD: Well, we’ll have to do a different way. We lost some good power numbers at the first base position and also at the shortstop position. We’ve got our pitcher back so that gives us a chance. We have a very tough schedule once again. We’ll see out it plays out.
CS: For players at the club level, what’s your biggest message to them?
MD: I think the biggest thing is to just go play. At the travel ball level and the same thing for us, let the college coaches do their job. It’s easy, go out there and hustle as much as you can. Catch our eye through hard work and your effort. Obviously producing a little bit. Let the college coaches sit there and evaluate. If we’ve got a need, you’ll be contacted and fill those voids.
