Honoring Kaite Davis: The Legacy of Community and Scholarship Through the Annual Pickleball Tournament
Community Unites for 6th Annual Kaite Davis Memorial Pickleball Tournament
GRANTS PASS, Ore. – This weekend, Reinhart Park will transform into a vibrant hub of activity as over 240 pickleball players gather for the 6th Annual Kaite Davis Memorial Pickleball Tournament, honoring the memory of a talented young golfer who left this world too soon at the age of 15.
Kaite Davis’s unexpected passing was a profound loss for her family and the Grants Pass community. In the wake of their grief, her parents, Jack and Kim Davis, sought a way to celebrate her life and give back to the community that raised her. After a friend organized a golf tournament in her honor, raising approximately $18,000, the Davis family decided to channel those funds into scholarships for local students through the Redwood Foundation for Education.
“We both went to Grants Pass High, and so the students who receive these scholarships are Grants Pass kids,” Jack Davis shared, reflecting on the importance of supporting local youth.
For 14 years, Jack continued the golf tournament, awarding scholarships to deserving students. Six years ago, he shifted the focus to pickleball, a sport that welcomes players of all skill levels, allowing more community members to participate and contribute.
“Though the pain of losing Kaite is indescribable, something positive has emerged from this tragedy,” Jack said. “The community has rallied together to uplift the next generation of Grants Pass graduates.”
Despite the area’s economic challenges, the community’s commitment to supporting education shines through. “We’re not a rich area, but for this cause, people are willing to contribute and help kids pursue a college education,” Jack noted.
While the scholarships may not cover all college expenses, they can significantly impact a student’s future. Jack recalled a particular recipient who received a $1,000 scholarship and went on to achieve a full ride at the University of Oregon through her involvement in the Green Garter Band.
“The support from the community can make a world of difference,” he emphasized.
The success of the Kaite Davis Memorial Pickleball Tournament and the scholarships it funds would not be possible without the collaboration of the Redwood Foundation for Education and the Rogue Pickleball Club. Quin Pehrson, executive director of the Redwood Foundation, highlighted the unique impact of local scholarships. “Sometimes, knowing that someone in your community believes in you can be more meaningful than larger national scholarships,” he said.
For Rogue Pickleball Club President Lisa Woodruff, the tournament represents a powerful connection across generations. “It warms your heart to realize that we can make a difference together,” she said. “Seeing the community come together for such a worthy cause is truly inspiring.”
As the scholarship fund has grown to approximately $200,000, Jack Davis hopes to establish it as an endowed fund, ensuring that Kaite’s legacy continues to support future graduates for years to come.
While sign-ups for this year’s tournament have closed, those interested in contributing to the scholarship fund can reach out to Jack Davis at 541-660-4289.
As the community gathers this weekend to honor Kaite’s memory, they not only celebrate her life but also invest in the futures of countless students, ensuring that her spirit lives on through their achievements.
