The countdown is officially on for the Jacksonville Waves, and the excitement is building as the team prepares to tip off the inaugural season of the Upshot League on May 15. For the First Coast's newest professional women's basketball team, this isn't just a fresh start—it's a homecoming for one of its brightest stars.
Rennia Davis, a Jacksonville native and former standout at Ribault High School, knows a thing or two about chasing dreams. From leading the Trojans to a national championship at Madison Square Garden to earning All-SEC honors at Tennessee, she's traveled far and wide in pursuit of hoops glory. Now, as a charter member of the Waves, she's ready to bring that passion back to where it all began. "To have this option right here at home, it just makes it even more special to me," Davis said.
The Waves will make history when they face the Charlotte Crown at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on Friday, May 15, at 7 p.m. It marks the city's debut in women's professional basketball—a moment head coach Jess Bogia admits still feels surreal. "It's here. It's real," Bogia said. "Sometimes, you've got to pinch yourself to make sure you believe it."
The Upshot League launches with four teams, including plans for future expansion to Baltimore and Nashville. Operated by Zawyer Sports & Entertainment—the same group behind the Jacksonville Icemen—the league is led by former WNBA president Donna Orender, adding a layer of credibility and vision to this exciting new venture.
On the court, the Waves have quickly assembled a formidable roster. Of the 11 active players, eight bring prior WNBA experience, offering a blend of grit and savvy that should make for an entertaining brand of basketball. Off the court, the team has locked in key partnerships with The CSI Companies, Acuvue, Florida Blue, and RadiFi Credit Union, signaling strong community support from day one.
For local fans, Davis remains the headline attraction. After being selected in the first round of the 2021 WNBA Draft, she's battled injuries and played across the globe, most recently averaging 20.5 points and 11.8 rebounds in Turkey. She even competed in camp with the Seattle Storm before being released earlier this month. Now back in Jacksonville, she's eager to inspire the next generation. "That's just the embodiment of Jacksonville," she said. "Hard work, resilience, and a love for the game."
As the season opener approaches, the Waves are gathering speed—and they're ready to make a splash.