Molly Davis, a beloved former Hawkeye role player who is now a graduate assistant for the Purple Aces, talked about her first return to Carver-Hawkeye Arena as the 23rd-ranked Iowa women’s basketball team (2-0) defeated Evansville (0-2) 119-43 on Sunday afternoon for their second victory of the season.
After three years at Central Michigan, Davis played two seasons with the Hawkeyes from 2022 to 2024. She is currently in her second season as a graduate assistant with Robyn Scherr’s coaching team at Evansville. During a first-quarter stoppage, Davis was met with thunderous applause from the fervent Hawkeyes supporters, as was to be expected. Many fans expressed gratitude for the Midland, Michigan native’s contribution to the team’s consecutive appearances in the national championship game in 2023 and 2024.
Following her return to Carver, Davis spoke with Hawkeye Report about her feelings and the fans’ reactions. After the game, Davis remarked, “It was super special, and to see the standing ovation, it really means a lot,” regarding the positive response she received from Hawkeyes supporters.
”I’m incredibly grateful for the two years I’ve spent here, as well as the incredible friends I’ve formed and other things. Thus, it was wonderful to be back.” Davis reiterated her appreciation for her time with the Hawkeyes program and the enduring bonds she made with former teammates, coaches, and even a few current Iowa players when asked if she ever imagined coaching against Iowa and getting such a warm reception from the supporters.
”No, not at all. As I mentioned, I’m quite appreciative that I’ve even been here for two years. You know, I was playing in front of 15,000 people in Iowa after attending Central Michigan, a little Division I. I repeat this all the time: “You know, little me would never have anticipated that.” It meant a lot to come back here and receive that same ovation, as I mentioned, and to see everyone wearing jerseys and other such items.”
During her time with the Hawkeyes, she shot 49.8% from the field, 36.2% from three-point range, and 86.8% from the free-throw line, averaging 4.7 points, 2.3 assists, and 1.9 rebounds per game. With the Hawkeyes, Davis played in 69 games and made 29 starts. On Wednesday, Nov. 12, Davis and the Purple Aces will travel to Eastern Kentucky (0-1) in an attempt to recover from their loss on Saturday.
The Drake Bulldogs (1-1) are Iowa’s next opponent, and they will visit Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Thursday, November 13. The Big Ten Network will broadcast that game, which is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. CT.
