ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — A Dougherty Comprehensive High School senior was accepted to 37 colleges while maintaining a 3.7 GPA and playing four varsity sports.

Marley Davis, this week’s Valdosta State Scholar Athlete, plays flag football, runs track and cross country, and cheers for the Trojans. This year, she was selected to be one of the cheerleading captains.

“I’ve been accepted into 37 schools, I think... somewhere around that number,” Davis said.

Balancing athletics and academics

Davis said balancing multiple sports with academics runs in her family.

“It’s definitely hard but playing sports has always been something my family has done. My brother played three or four sports, and he finished in the top 10% of his class, so it’s definitely something I’ve picked up from him,” she said.

As a team captain, Davis faces additional responsibilities beyond her athletic and academic commitments.

“It’s definitely harder. Now, instead of being the one learning 24/7, you have to learn and teach, and guide, and fix and help. So, it’s a lot to juggle,” Davis said.

Cheerleading coach Aerial Simpson said Davis brings a calming presence to the team’s leadership.

“I always say when you have a team of leadership, you gotta have a bad guy and then one that’s calmer. So she’s the calmer captain. The other ones are a little harsher, but she’s the one that comes in and softens everyone up, tells everyone ‘everything will be okay and that it’s hard right now but it will become easier eventually,’” Simpson said.

College decision pending

Davis has narrowed her college choices to two schools and plans to announce her decision May 1.

“Well, my top two are Jackson State and Clark Atlanta. I’m going to school for criminal justice, and then I plan to go to law school after, so I definitely wanted something that could give me good connections and internship opportunities,” she said.

Davis said her mother, a former cheerleader and track runner, inspires her to take on any challenge that comes here way.

Congratulations to Marley Davis for being recognized as this week’s Valdosta State Scholar Athlete!

If you know an outstanding student-athlete, click here to nominate them.

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