LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama softball team will honor the United State Military prior to its Sunday game against Shorter University as a part of its "Military Day" at the UWA Softball Complex.

As a part of the day's events, the Tigers will honor one of its own as she prepares to serve her country as a member of the Air Force Reserves. Along with being UWA's leftfielder, Libby Davis has also spent the season preparing to become a Fusion Analyst as a member of the Intel Unit at Herlburt Field in Fort Walton Beach, Fla.

"I have been excited about this day all year, it brings together both of my worlds," said Davis. "It is exciting because this is the first time I've ever been acknowledge for my service.

"This has been a great opportunity for me to help out my family. It allows me to go home as well as finish my school, but most importantly it allows me to work in a field that I love."

A sophomore from Niceville, Fla., Davis' service is another chapter of her family's sacrifice in the United States Military. She enlisted on the same day her grandfather, a veteran of the U.S. Army, passed away.

The commitment by Davis has come with sacrifices to her playing career especially, forcing her to miss certain weekend series due to her training. It has also cut her career short, as this will be the last season the junior will dawn a UWA uniform.

"It keeps me busy, although I don't like missing games," Davis said. "It has been a great experience for me, but it is sad that my career at UWA is coming to a close. I am excited to move on to my next adventure."  

On the field, Davis owns UWA's second best batting average of .348, while adding a .580 slugging percentage. She's posted the second most home runs (6), second most hits (39), second most runs (23) and third most RBI's (25). Working primarily in leftfield, she has garnered a 1.000 field percentage with 42 putouts and three assists while working also in centerfield.

"As a coach, it saddened me to learn that Libby had decided to make this her final season in the Tiger red and white, but as a mentor it was an extremely proud moment," said UWA head coach Will Atkinson.

"It has always been our goal to prepare our student-athletes for the world after softball, and when Libby and I talked about her decision to join the Air Force Reserves I felt certain that we had accomplished that goal. Absolutely I would love to see Libby exhaust her eligibility here at UWA, but I 100% respect and support her decision to serve our country."

First pitch for Sunday's game is set for 2 p.m.

"We will all miss Libby wearing #11 next season, but it's not every day that a member of your team commits to serving and protecting our country's freedom," Atkinson said. "I am very proud of Libby.  I have no doubt she will represent UWA well as she serves our country."