UNCG alumna Karla Davis to perform prior to Monday's basketball game

GREENSBORO, N.C. - UNC Greensboro alumna and former women's soccer star Karla Davis is now an up-and-coming country music singer. On her way to her next stardom, she is coming back to see her old friends Monday night at the Greensboro Coliseum.

Davis, a native of Monroe, N.C. who recently moved to Nashville, Tenn., will perform a 30-minute set at SpartanFest 2010 in the Greensboro Coliseum's Pavilion beginning at 5:45 p.m. Monday night prior to the UNCG-Appalachian State men's basketball game. Following that, Davis will sing "God Bless America" just prior to tip-off.

Davis won the prestigious Colgate Country Showdown in Nashville last month. Each year, more than 50,000 artists compete in local competitions throughout the country in four levels of competition - local, state, regional and national - using a uniform judging system. The finals were hosted by former winner LeAnn Rimes and were held at historic Ryman Auditorium. The event has featured greats such as Rimes, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Billy Ray Cyrus, Sara Evans, Brad Paisley and Miranda Lambert in past years.

Judging the finals were a panel of industry executives; Jim Catino (Sony Music), Rod Essig (CAA), Fletcher Foster (Universal South Records), Fred Foster (Atlantic Records), Cris Lacy (Warner Brothers Nashville) and Brian Mansfield (USA Today).

As a member of the Spartans at UNCG, Davis was a four-year starter and led the Spartans to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances. She twice earned all-conference honors and was also named the Southern Conference Freshman of the Year in 2004. She was a part of three SoCon regular-season championship teams and one SoCon Tournament championship squad. Davis ranks 10th in school history in career assists. She graduated in the spring of 2008 with a degree in media studies.

SpartanFest 2010 is being sponsored by the Campus Activities Board as part of UNCG's Winterfest celebration. Gates to the parking lot at the Greensboro Coliseum will open at 4:30 p.m. on Monday for tailgating. Activities in the Pavilion will get underway at 4:30 p.m., as well.

A variety of other promotions are planned for Monday night. Among them will be a limited number of Spartan Bobbleheads to be given away when the arena doors open at 6 p.m.

For more information on Karla Davis, check her music out online at karladavismusic.com.

- UNCG -