Q&A: Kirsten Davis on her time at Texas Tech and what's next for the 2019 All-American

When it comes to scoring goals in the Lone Star State, few have done it better than Texas Tech forward Kirsten Davis. Across five years in Lubbock, the St. Louis, Mo. native has wrecked NCAA defenses and netted an outstanding 43 career goals for her university.

Like many players her age, her development was stunted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Davis came off a 2019 junior year where she was a first team All-American and Big 12 offensive player of the year, only to then have more than half of her 2020 matches cancelled. Despite the lack of playing time in her senior year, Racing Louisville selected Davis with its second pick in the 2021 college draft. 

As she approaches her final few matches as a Red Raider, we wanted to get to know the future star a little better. 

How did you make your decision to play for Tech?

Kirsten Davis: I went to the Texas Tech Elite ID camp the summer after my freshman year of high school. I was immediately greeted by all the staff and players. It felt like home already. I was then able to see all the facilities and had great conversations with the entire coaching staff.  From that visit, I was easily able to see what it meant to be a Red Raider and how important community and culture was here. I also loved how the entire city of Lubbock supported all the Texas Tech sports programs. That is something I really value and knew I wanted to be a part of it.  From there after talking with my family and praying about it, I knew Texas Tech was the place for me! 

Do you have any advice for high school students going through the recruiting process?

KD: Trust the process. Take your time to make sure you find the right school for you. Make sure you think about the type of school you are looking for, the major you believe you will be focused on, proximity to home and the connections you form with the coaching staff. But most importantly enjoy this time – it goes by fast, and this is your chance to make sure you go to the right school for you to flourish as a student-athlete. 

What's your favorite soccer memory from your time at Tech?

KD: I have so many memories that it's hard to pick one. I think about all the big games, the sold-out home games and all the incredible coaches and teammates I’ve had over the years. But maybe it’s because it just occurred, but my most cherished moment is the most recent Senior Night. I was able to have my family on the field with me before the game, had all my grandparents in the stands and we won the game. It was so special to have so many family members at the game and to walk off the field with a W!  

What will you miss about Lubbock?

KD: I will miss the community. Lubbock is a college town, and everyone knows everyone. I love how connected the Lubbock community is. Everyone is so friendly and treats everyone like family. Playing in front of the Lubbock crowd is special and I will never forget the support they provided at every home game. 

What do you do when you're not playing soccer?

KD: I love spending time hanging out with my family and friends.  

Why did you decide to keep playing NCAA after being drafted by Louisville?

KD: My junior year we were one point away from winning the Big 12 championship. The bar was set high, and we had unfinished business to take care of going into my senior year. Then COVID hit and we were only given nine games instead of the usual 20+ games for our season. Our team was hit hard with COVID, and we had multiple players out each week. We had very little continuity. In many ways it didn’t feel right in my heart to leave on that note, and I wanted to have a true senior season with my teammates. I wanted to leave here knowing I gave everything I had for my team and this school.

What are your aspirations after this season?

KD: I look forward to playing in the NWSL and starting my professional career.

If you could play soccer anywhere in the world, where would you and why?

KD: I was able to live in Australia for almost four years and I have such great memories of our time there. Because of that, it would be amazing to play in Australia once again in front of all my life long Aussie friends! 

What's your favorite pre-game pump-up song and why?

KD: “I Gotta Feeling,” by Black Eyed Peas. This is the song I’ve been listening to since I was very young. I constantly change my pre-game music, but I always make sure this song is a part of it. 

What's the last movie you watched, was it any good?

KD: "Mamma Mia." Yes, I love watching musicals because the songs are catchy! 

How do you view yourself as a forward player and how do you think other players view you?

KD: As a forward, I like to stay aggressive attacking the defense, being strong on the ball, and getting to goal.  And to quote Ted Lasso – I try to be a goldfish and have that short-term memory so I am not worried about a goal I may have missed or pass that could have been better.  

I hope the players I go against see someone who is relentless for the full 90 minutes, constantly putting pressure on the backline/keeper and plays the game the right way. 

Texas Tech will begin its Big 12 tournament journey at 2 p.m. on Sunday Oct. 31 against Oklahoma State. Watch the match on ESPN+, or get tickets for the Round Rock Multipurpose Complex here.