The Kansas City Sports Commission has selected Jaliya Davis, a freshman forward for the Jayhawks, as the 2026 Children's Mercy Sportswoman of the Year, recognizing a season that blended statistical dominance with community impact.
During her debut collegiate campaign, Davis posted averages of 19.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 63.6 percent from the field, numbers that placed her sixth in school history for a single season and second in Big 12 scoring.
A Freshman Sensation
Her performance earned her multiple weekly honors, including nine consecutive Big 12 Freshman of the Week awards, and a spot on the WBIT All‑Tournament Team. The accolades extended to All‑America Honorable Mention from the Women's Basketball Coaches Association and a co‑win of the Direnna Award.
Davis also capped her high school career at Blue Valley North with three state championships and a record 1,735 career points, a milestone that underscored her status as the program’s all‑time leading scorer.
The award ceremony will take place on August 26 at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown, where a reception begins at 5:30 p.m. CT followed by dinner and the awards program at 7 p.m. Davis will join previous winner Cassie Wait, the 2017 honoree, as the only two Jayhawks to have received the distinction.