Kim Davis likes to lead through her actions for the most part, leaving the effort on the floor every game.

The NIU women’s basketball forward took an interesting path to get to playing in the MAC tournament, starting her career at Eastern Michigan as a walk on and playing limited minutes in 2008-09. Davis transferred to NIU and did not participate in basketball during the 2009-10 season. She joined the team in the 2010-11 season, where she averaged 31 minutes and started 29 games. Davis said the choice she made was a positive one, and she doesn’t regret it.

“I’m definitely happy with the decision to come here,” Davis said. “I wouldn’t have been able to be part of such a great team here if I didn’t. It was weird just being a student and not being an athlete.”

Davis set a career high in points this season with a 26 against Eastern Michigan Feb. 18. Davis also became one of six players in the last 10 years from NIU to score 400 points, shoot 40 percent from the field and grab 300 rebounds.

All this was accomplished in only two seasons, adding to the magnitude of impact Davis has made in this program.

“She’s played with energy her whole time here,” said NIU coach Kathi Bennett. “I feel like defensively she can cover two or three players because she’s flying around. She hits the offensive glass, runs the floor well and presents matchup problems with her athleticism.”

Davis relishes her leadership role, and enjoys just being able to contribute to a team she likes being around.

“I embrace the leadership role,” Davis said. “I’m not much of a talker … I like to get the team revved up with energy.”

Bennett believes Davis made the right choice to join the team after transferring, believing that she should be on a court with her ability.

“She’s given us a quality two years and is helping lead the team to the tournament for this first time since 2007,” Bennett said. “Getting here and getting to go to Cleveland, I don’t know what else you play for besides a championship. I think she would feel the same way. “