Paige Davis

Paige Davis knows that a strong commitment to dry-land training — a time period before the snow arrives few skiers look forward to — will pay off and be a difference maker when the alpine ski season begins.

Lake Region alpine coach Sonny Davis was impressed with Paige’s leadership and desire during the preseason.

“She was the only skier to show up for every practice during the holiday break,” Coach Davis said. “Every member said they wanted to practice during the break, but only one or two showed up for one practice and that was it — except for Paige. She was there for every practice.”

It paid off. Paige placed second overall in the opening giant slalom race held at Shawnee Peak on Jan. 5. She posted the meet’s fastest run in 31.14 seconds, but was just behind Greta Elder of Yarmouth (1:03.61 to 1:03.90).

In recognition of her strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Paige is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

The Davis File

Name: Paige Davis

Year in School: Sophomore

Hometown: Casco

Parents: Stephanie and Scott Davis

Sports you play: Field Hockey, Alpine Skiing, Lacrosse.

School organizations: Varsity Club, Math Team.

School honors: National Junior Honor Society.

Why did you choose to race alpine? While I have been skiing since I could walk, it was my older brother who got me into racing. I had spent years watching him on the hill and eventually my parents put me into a race program. Ten years later, I am still chasing him down the mountain.

What is the most difficult part of alpine racing? Nobody ever told me ski racing was easy, but I never expected half a second would determine a first place finisher and a last place finisher. Every move you make determines your outcome. There are no mistakes in racing.

What do you enjoy the most about racing? While racing is just as much a team sport as any other sport, it is also an individual sport. Everyone going down that course is your competition and I enjoy the pressure.

What do you feel you need to work on and why? I am my worst enemy. I lack the confidence to surpass my opponents. Once I start believing in myself like others believe in me is when I can start making improvements.

Why is teamwork important? I am fortunate to have an amazing group of individuals on my small team. Together, we push each other. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It’s the girls on my team who convince me not to go in for another break in minus-4 degree weather and drag me to the top of the racecourse that I owe my accomplishments to.

What is the biggest impact your coach(es) have had on you? My coaches expect a lot from me. It’s rare that you find one coach that has a true passion for a sport, let alone two. I owe everything to them, and not just because we’re related.

How do you want people to view you as an athlete? When I was little, I remember thinking how bad I wanted to be like the older girls on my team. They were my role models. I want someone to see me the way I saw them. I want to be a role model for younger athletes.

Ten years from now, when you look back on your high school sports career, what do you think you will remember most? The bond I have made with my teammates not only in skiing, but field hockey and lacrosse are unbreakable. The connections your team creates are truly unforgettable. I encourage everyone to join a team sport of any kind. I have yet to hear someone say they regret playing a sport in high school, but the number of people who have said they regret not playing a sport is too high of a number for me to count.