When Kaylee Davis looks back on her college journey, it's clear the story goes far beyond wins, championships, and box scores.

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A Rock Rapids, Iowa native and product of Central Lyon High School, Davis arrived on campus four years ago with a simple but powerful dream: to play college basketball. What wasn't so simple was deciding where that dream would take shape.

"I knew I wanted to go to college, and I always wanted to play basketball," Davis said. "I visited a few different places, and I was honestly pretty indecisive. I really wanted to weigh my options."

What ultimately set Dordt apart was a feeling she couldn't ignore.

"After reflecting on my visits, I realized this was where I was supposed to be," she said. "Everyone was inviting and welcoming. I really appreciated the Christian perspective, and Coach Harmsen was someone I could tell genuinely cared about his players.
And being from Rock Rapids too—that didn't hurt."

That sense of familiarity grew quickly once Davis arrived on campus, especially knowing fellow Central Lyon alum Hayden Heimensen was already part of the program. From there, the real adjustment began.

"The college game is a lot faster, more physical, and more intense," Davis explained. "There are so many details to the game that you don't really notice in high school."

The transition wasn't limited to basketball. Life in the dorms, managing classes, and balancing responsibilities all required growth.

"It was definitely an adjustment at first," she said. "But after a few months, you start to get the hang of it."

In the classroom, Davis found herself drawn to challenges just as demanding as those on the court. She is majoring in engineering science with a business finance emphasis, a combination born from a love of numbers and problem-solving.

"I started just in engineering, but I realized I really enjoy the finance side too," Davis said. "I wanted to open up my options, and I enjoy both."

That academic path led to an internship with DGR Engineering in her hometown, where her father works as an electrical engineer. The experience turned into more than just a resume builder—Davis accepted a full-time offer as a transmission line
designer following graduation.

"I'll be working with software, doing studies and analysis for engineers," she said. "It's a mix of family influence and just loving math and problem solving."

Before college, Davis stayed busy as a three-sport athlete, competing in basketball, volleyball, and track, where she ran the 400 and 800 meters.

"Basketball has always been my favorite," she said with a smile. "But yeah, the 400s and 800s…those are tough."

Her time in the Defender program included plenty of success, including deep postseason runs and national championships in Sioux City. But for Davis, the experience can't be measured by banners alone.

"There were a lot of ups and downs," she said. "But overall, it's been one of the best experiences of my life. I've learned so much."

That learning extended beyond the gym. Between team commitments, classes, Bible studies, and everyday college life, Davis says growth often came through learning to manage it all.

"Time management has been huge," she said. "Balancing basketball with academics—that's probably the biggest thing I've learned as a student."

When asked what advice she would give to high school students facing post-graduation decisions, Davis didn't hesitate.

"Make sure the people are good," she said. "That's what makes or breaks a place. The culture, how people treat each other—those things matter more than you realize. That's where you'll get the most out of your experience."

As her senior season winds down and graduation approaches, Davis feels both excitement and nostalgia.

"I'm excited for what's next," she said. "But I'll definitely miss living with my roommates, seeing my teammates every day. That part will be hard."

As for staying active after basketball, she laughed.

"Probably not 400s or 800s anymore," she said. "But I'll find other ways to stay active."

In reflecting on her time in the program, Davis points to something even more lasting than basketball.

"This program has made a huge impact on my faith," she said. "I've grown a lot in understanding what my true identity is. That's come from coaches, teammates, professors, and a lot of self-reflection."

It's a fitting summary of a college career defined by growth—athletically, academically, and personally—and one that has prepared Kaylee Davis well for what's next.