BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Telegraph Staff Writer
It was already undoubtedly an exciting week for Union County High School seniors Jaycee Davis and Ayden Elixson, but it got even better when they signed letters of intent four days prior to graduation to play their respective sports at the next level.
“I’m super excited to play at the next level,” said Davis, who’ll be going to Daytona State College to play volleyball. “It’s always been a dream of mine. I’m finally fulfilling the dream. I can’t wait to see what the next two years hold. Hopefully, I’ll have the chance to transfer out (to a four-year school) and keep playing the sport that I love.”
Davis described Daytona State as “perfect,” adding, “When I went on my visit, and I practiced with them, I felt right at home. Everyone was super welcoming. It’s only two hours away, so I’m still close to home where everyone can visit and watch.”
Family and friends won’t have far to travel to visit Elixson and watch him play baseball. He’ll be attending Palatka’s St. Johns River State College.
“This is surreal,” Elixson said. “This is something I’ve obviously dreamed about since T-ball. You always dream of having a signing and just getting a chance. It’s just a great feeling.”
When asked why he chose St. Johns River, Elixson said, “The coaching staff is really the main reason. I love the coaches there. I’ve known them for a few years now. They really do great with their guys.”
Elixson also noted that St. Johns River has advanced to this year’s National Junior College Athletic Association Division II World Series.
Elixson will join former UCHS teammates Tripp Davis (Jaycee’s brother) and Jake O’Steen, who are wrapping up their freshmen year at St. Johns River.
Coaches spoke of the effort put in by both Davis and Elixson during the May 15 signing ceremony, which was held at the Lake Butler Community Center.
“It’s not luck that he’s here signing,” UCHS Head Baseball Coach Jiwan James said of Elixson. “He actually worked his butt off. Obviously, it’s paying off for him right now.”
Tifani Knox, the UCHS head volleyball coach, described Davis as the athlete every coach would love to have — an athlete with a good attitude who does whatever is asked of them.
“I knew that she would be able to reach her goal (of playing college),” Knox said. “It was just a matter of her deciding where she wanted to go. She is an amazing teammate. She works hard. She puts in the work. She’s dedicated.”
Joe DeLuca, the executive director of the Gainesville Juniors travel volleyball organization of which Davis was a part, said, “No matter how good of a coach he or she may be, the player has to have that desire, has to have that commitment and has to have learn what the words ‘working hard’ mean. I never really had to motivate Jaycee.”
DeLuca, in addressing the other student-athletes present at the ceremony, said Davis is a good role model to follow, especially if they, too, want to get the chance to play in college.
“This is a great example of what can happen,” DeLuca said. “If you apply yourself, and you come with a great attitude, wanting to learn, this is the result.”
Davis, an outside hitter, led the Tigers in kills and digs in each of her four seasons, finishing with 1,240 kills and 1,275 digs for her career.
To continue having success at the next level Davis said, “I think I need to stay in the gym and keep working hard to fulfill my front-row duties I will have at this school.”
Knox said every player can continue to improve, of course, but when it comes to Davis, she doesn’t see any aspect of her game that needs tremendous improvement.
“Honestly, I think as long as she continues to work as hard as she does, she’s going to be successful,” Knox said.
Elixson led the Tigers this year in batting average (.415), slugging percentage (.659), doubles (9), home runs (4) and runs scored (34), while he was second in RBI (22).
James said while most high school players tend to be pull hitters, Elixson’s strength is “driving the ball in the opposite-field gap.”
“That approach for him is going to translate to the next level,” James said.
Elixson said there’s no secret to his success at the plate.
“My at-bats are really simple,” he said. “I go up there looking for success. I go up there every time thinking something good is going to happen.”
If something good doesn’t happen, he puts it behind him and doesn’t let it affect him. James recalled a game this past season in which Elixson struck out three times.
“He was like, ‘There’s always tomorrow.’ For a high school kid to be able to do that, I think that’s huge,” James said. “I’ve watched him grow over the last three years to where he’s reached that point mentally. Nothing’s going to bother him.”
James said Elixson, who he expects to play first base or in right field at St. Johns River (he played first base and also pitched at UCHS), is versatile in the field, which will also help him.
“It always helps to be 6-3, 6-4 over at first base, but you can also move him out to the outfield,” James said. “With him being able to play two or three positions out in the field, as long as he’s swinging the bat, they’re going to find somewhere for him to play.”
Elixson said an area he believes he’ll have to improve in is his agility in the field.
“That’s something I will always be improving on and that I have been improving on for years now,” he said.
That sums up Elixson as a player — always working on his game so that he can get better. James said that’s what Elixson needs to do as he transitions to the next level.
“Keep working and get in the weight room and continue to get stronger,” James said. “Just continue doing what he’s been doing. There’s nothing that’s really a great flaw with him. As long as he keeps working and keeps progressing, he’ll be fine.”
Both student-athletes would love to be able to transfer to a four-year school after two years at their respective junior colleges. Neither has a dream school in mind. They just want that opportunity. Davis, though, at least would like to not have to go out of state.
“I would love just to have the chance, but I’m looking to stay in Florida,” she said. “Schools like Flagler, FAU — somewhere nearby where families and friends can come visit and watch me play the sport I love.”
Elixson said, “I will be happy to play anywhere.”
James is confident Elixson will get that chance, saying, “Definitely. He’ll be at a four-year school.”
As they prepare to start a new chapter in their lives, Davis and Elixson look back fondly at their time at UCHS and appreciate how special their home is.
“Union County is a great place to play,” Elixson said. “It’s a tight-knit community. Everyone’s close together. Everyone’s pushing each other to be their best.”
Davis said, “Union County has been great for me. We had tons of fans, students and everyone here (at the games). They’re all super excited for us and ready to see us play at the next level.
“We’ll always be able to come back and feel at home. I think they’re all super proud and rooting for us.”
