South Carolina’s Black Sports Trailblazers: Honoring Legends and Game-Changers
As Black History Month continues, The Post and Courier sports team is spotlighting Black pioneers who left an indelible mark on South Carolina sports history. This special series runs daily in print, with a compiled digital version available for online readers. Here’s Part 2 of our four-part feature.
Zola Davis: A Name That Echoes Through Generations
In 2015, Zola Davis Jr. committed to Presbyterian College with dreams of following in his father’s footsteps and cementing his own legacy in South Carolina football. But living up to the Davis name was no small feat—his father, Zola Davis Sr., is a legend in every sense of the word.
From his days at Burke High School, where he was named a Parade All-American and crowned the top wide receiver in the nation, to his standout career at the University of South Carolina, Davis Sr. was a force on the field. He burst onto the scene in Columbia, earning SEC All-Freshman honors before continuing his dominance throughout his college years.
His talent took him to the NFL, where he signed with the Green Bay Packers in 1999 and later played for the Cleveland Browns. While his professional career was brief, his impact was lasting.
In 2014, Davis Sr. was honored with induction into the USC Athletic Hall of Fame, solidifying his status as one of the greatest football players in Palmetto State history.
Quincy Hall: From Gamecock Star to Olympic Gold
Take a bow, Quincy Hall—you’re officially one of the fastest men on Earth!
The former South Carolina track star delivered one of the most unforgettable comebacks in Olympic history, storming back to win gold in the 400-meter race at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Hall’s journey to Olympic greatness began in Kansas City, Missouri, where he captured two state titles in high school before taking the junior college route. He quickly became one of the most sought-after athletes in the country, receiving offers from Florida, USC, Oregon, Alabama, LSU, and UCLA. But in the end, he chose South Carolina.
Once in Columbia, Hall wasted no time rewriting record books. He shattered multiple USC records, including posting the fastest 400m time in school history at 44.53 seconds. His dominance extended to the 400m hurdles, where he became just the second Gamecock ever to win a national championship in the event.
Now, with an Olympic gold medal to his name, Hall has cemented his place among the all-time greats—not just at USC, but on the world stage.
Celebrating Excellence, Past and Present
The legacies of Zola Davis Sr. and Quincy Hall are just two examples of the enduring impact of Black athletes in South Carolina sports. Their achievements continue to inspire future generations, proving that greatness is built on hard work, perseverance, and the courage to chase dreams.
Stay tuned for Part 3 of our Black History Month series, where we highlight more icons who shaped South Carolina’s sports landscape.
