Janet Davis and Sarita Cooper-White are no strangers to the big stage.
Both are Gentry High School and Indianola sports legends, Davis having competed in track and field competitions on the international level, and Cooper-White helping the Lady Rams capture its only basketball state championship before an illustrious collegiate career at Delta State.
Little could prepare them, however, for last week’s ceremony at the Mississippi state capitol where the two were honored on the floor of the Senate for their achievements in athletics.
“It was an amazing ceremony. I think it took me another week to even calm down, once I realized what was going on and what was happening,” Davis told The Enterprise-Tocsin during an interview this week.
This was made possible by the county’s delegation, incluing State Sen. Sarita Simmons and Rep. Otis Anthony.
Cooper-White made her name known in the capital city nearly two decades ago at “The Big House” when the Lady Rams took the gold ball in 2007.
She returned to Jackson last week for the dual ceremony.
“That was an amazing experience for me. That’s an experience I’ll cherish forever,” she said.
Both had an opportunity to stand before the House and Senate bodies and speak.
Davis said that she took the opportunity to thank her coach and mentor from five decades ago, Stanley Lott, who was present for the event.
“We were traveling across country, indoors and outdoors, back-to-back, for 11 years straight,” Davis said.
Cooper-White thanked her coaches, teammates and family for being the foundation for her success that includes her high school years, her college career and her coaching career that has spanned nearly a decade and included a trip to the state title game with Washington School this past winter.
“I will continue being humble, and I will give God all of the glory and all of the praise for that opportunity,” Cooper-White said.
