WAYNESBORO – Nikki Davis joined an exclusive club when she recorded her 100th career point in girls’ soccer.
Davis, only a junior, scored three goals and notched an assist in Waynesboro’s 11-0 victory over Central Dauphin East on Tuesday.
It’s something Davis has been doing since her freshman; and she carries over her high level of play into the next season.
“I just want to stay humble,” said Davis after Tuesday’s match at Buchanan Automotive Stadium. “I couldn’t have done it without my teammates; so, I want to thank them, and my coaches. I didn’t expect to get it my junior year. But it’s nice. I don’t really think about the points; I think about the win.”
Soccer is a game of non-stop running and concentration and reaction time are essential for teams to have a chance to get shots on goal. Davis made it look easy against the Panthers. She scored on back-to-back semi-breakaways. Davis hustled her way in between defenders, then drew the goalkeeper out and picked her side.
The exclusive club of 100-point scorers (two points for a goal, one point for an assist) begins with Katie Staubs, who in 2007 finished with 234 total points. Next was Molly Reffner (2005), Skylar Lambert (2018), Davis (2024) and Michal Sanders (2009).
“I think the 100-point thing is big, especially considering the level of competition that we are playing,” said Waynesboro head coach Brian Fisher. “This league that we have been in the last four years is a more challenging league from top to bottom. Nikki would be the first to tell you that she would rather win the conference and make districts than to have any individual accolades.”
Davis, who also plays on the Waynesboro varsity girls’ basketball team, began her journey in 2021 with 29 points (10 goals, 9 assists). Davis led the team in goals and assists her freshman season.
Davis again led the Maidens in goals and assists during a breakout sophomore season. Davis scored 15 goals and had 12 assists.
As of Oct. 4, Davis had 35 points (12 goals, 11 assists).
“She plays attacking midfield, the number 10 position,” said Fisher. “She is very capable of playing any position though. I have seen her grow and develop throughout her time here. I think the key for her is her work ethic and playing year round with her club team. The more competitive environment you can play in, the greater the development is and she is fully committed to that.”
Fisher, who said that Davis was such a good player in middle school that she could have started for the varsity team, is impressed by her consistency and intensity.
“She always brings her A-game,” said Fisher. “She is always early or on time to all practices and games. She is a team player. I don’t think she wants or likes the recognition. She would rather have her team play well and win versus getting attention.
“Nikki values her friendships and teammates. I think those relationships mean a ton to her. She really seems to have a great group of friends.”
Improvement seems to mean a lot to Davis.
“I’ve learned a lot through the years – different ways to create space and find different passing angles,” Davis explained. “It’s a matter of finding my teammates’ feet and seeing their runs and going to spaces where they can find me so I can create and convert opportunities they give me.”
