Former Warriors (formerly Athenas) women's volleyball coach Pat Davis was proudly inducted into the Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA) Hall of Fame on Saturday, June 1.

"I feel very honoured to be inducted into the Ontario Volleyball Association Hall of Fame," said Davis.

"My inclusion in the Builder Category is in recognition of my efforts in the 1970 and 1980's, to develop the Coaching Certification program; as well as contributions in Regional, Junior and high performance development , and tournament and workshop hosting. In the intervening 40 or 50 years, the OVA has expanded its membership and programs greatly, to become one of the leading sport governing bodies in the province."

Davis, one of the most influential builders in the history of the Department of Athletics and Recreation, joined the University in 1967 coaching both the track and field program and women's volleyball team.

Davis would go on to lead the women's volleyball program for 18 years (1967-85), building the program into what it is today while also working as a Coordinator of Women's Athletics at Waterloo until 1989. Davis led her Athenas to three Ontario-Quebec Women's Conference of Interuniversity Athletics (later became OWIAA) titles in 1967.1970 and 1971. The 1971 victory qualified the Athenas to compete in the first Canadian Women's Interuniversity Volleyball Championship. In 1975 U. of Waterloo won the O.V.A. Senior 'AA' Ladies Provincial Champiomship; and represented Ontario in the C.V.A.Nationa Championships. Pat finished her coaching career with an overall winning percentage of 70%.

"Pat is an incredible pioneer for our department and it is great to see her take her rightful place in the OVA Hall of Fame," said director of athletics and recreation, Roly Webster."Pat is so incredibly deserving of this recognition and I can't thank her enough for all that she has done to build the foundation for the present day success of our volleyball program."

In addition to her historical significance to the women's volleyball program, Davis has also played an integral part in the growth of women's volleyball across the country.

In the 1970's, Davis served as the Coaching Chairperson of both the Canadian Volleyball Association (now Volleyball Canada) and the Ontario Volleyball Association. She was also involved in regional development, junior development, and the Coordinator of the Ontario Provincial Team development program.

Davis was a founding  member of the OWIAA, the Association President ('78), and chaired the OWIAA's Constitution Committee and History/Philosophy Committees for several years.She also served as CIAU (now U Sport] Constitution Committee chair for many years. Davis was inducted into the Warriors Hall of Fame on June 21, 1994.

"The Awards Banquet was a wonderful evening, which recognized the outstanding contribution of individuals in all facets of the OVA's program, both past and present," mentioned Davis.

"Each award recipient received a lovely memento and a video and/or written documentation of the awardee's contribution was given.  It was great meeting and sharing with people I had not seen for many, many years."