When Empress Davenport stepped back onto the Forty Acres this past weekend, it wasn't just another road trip—it was a homecoming steeped in nostalgia and purpose. The former Texas women's basketball standout, who played for the Longhorns from 2012 to 2016, returned to Austin as an assistant coach for the Dallas Wings. But the Moody Center felt unfamiliar; her memories are tied to the old Erwin Center, where she averaged 7.2 points and 3.6 rebounds under head coach Karen Aston.

For Wings head coach Jose Fernandez, however, the Moody Center holds a different kind of magic. "The last time I was here, the only time I was here, we beat Texas (70-65)," Fernandez recalled on Sunday, referencing a December 2022 matchup. "So I guess I'm undefeated in this building." It's a lighthearted boast, but one that underscores the new energy surrounding this Dallas Wings squad.

Davenport's journey back to the WNBA has been a winding one. After graduation, she cut her coaching teeth at Lamar and UTSA before spending the 2024-2026 seasons on the Ole Miss staff. Now, she's part of a Wings team undergoing a major transformation. Fernandez is in his first year after a legendary 25-year run at South Florida, the roster features veteran newcomers like Alysha Clark and Alanna Smith, and the team just landed the 2026 WNBA Draft's No. 1 pick, Azzi Fudd.

In her new role, Davenport is channeling the lessons she learned from Aston. "She was super detailed in everything that she did. So, I think that I carried that with me," Davenport said. That attention to detail was on full display during Sunday's preseason game against the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces—a game the Wings won convincingly, 101-84.

But perhaps the most telling moment came after pregame shootaround. Fudd, already known for her relentless work ethic, joined Davenport on the bench to review final game notes, tablet and pen in hand. For Davenport, this is where the real growth happens. "The W is different," she explained. "The small nuances—like how well a team executes out of a timeout—are what separate the good from the great."

For Davenport, being back at Texas is more than just a coaching assignment. It's a full-circle moment. "Now that I actually have an opportunity to be in the W and come back and coach here, it's actually surreal," she said. And if the Wings' preseason performance is any indication, this team—led by a mix of seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers—is ready to make some noise.