10/21/2026 10:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Continuing the series that began in 2016-17, each week MGoBlue.com will highlight a Michigan student-athlete and their academic pursuits. These are our Scholar-Athlete Stories.
By Gerardo Tinajero
For University of Michigan men's soccer student-athlete Dylan Davis, some of the most meaningful lessons of his college career have come from the people around him.
Whether studying for an exam at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, preparing for a Big Ten matchup or working alongside classmates on a consulting project, Davis has learned that success is not something he has to pursue alone.
Now a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Administration with a minor in Real Estate Development, Davis has earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition while maintaining a 3.6 grade-point average. Beyond the classroom, his involvement in Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity, and Net Impact has helped him discover new interests, develop professional skills and build relationships that extend beyond athletics.
Through it all, Davis credits his teammates with playing an important role in his academic journey.
"We do everything together -- we study together, we go to class together, we do assignments together, projects together," Davis said.
Sharing the same class schedule with fellow soccer student-athletes has created a support system built on accountability and a shared commitment to succeed. When one teammate struggles to find motivation after a long day of training and classes, the others encourage them.
That support becomes especially valuable during demanding stretches of the soccer season, when games, travel and academic responsibilities compete for Davis' time.
For Davis, managing those responsibilities has required more than simply maintaining a schedule. It has meant learning to make the most of every available opportunity, whether studying between classes or completing assignments while traveling with the team.
"It's always about finding those little pockets of time," Davis said.
Those habits have helped him develop the discipline and resilience needed to succeed in the classroom. He sees a direct connection between the expectations of collegiate athletics and the commitment required to perform academically.
During the spring, early morning training sessions often led directly into a full day of classes. Although the schedule can be demanding, Davis believes the discipline developed through soccer has strengthened his academic approach.
"When you do hard things, you almost get even more motivation to do harder things," Davis said.
That mindset has been especially important during challenging academic periods. Davis recalled times when the demands of training and midterm exams left him with little motivation to study. Rather than allowing those moments to affect his performance, he leaned on teammates who understood the same challenges.
Their willingness to hold one another accountable has helped turn difficult moments into opportunities for growth.
"If I'm like, if I get home from training and I go to class for three and a half hours or four hours, and then it's like I'm meant to go and study," Davis said, recalling the demands of a previous semester.
Even when motivation is low, he knows his teammates will encourage him to keep going, just as he would for them.
While soccer has helped shape his work ethic, Davis has also made a conscious effort to explore opportunities beyond athletics.
His involvement in Delta Sigma Pi and Net Impact has allowed him to connect with students from different backgrounds and gain practical experience in business. One consulting project helped him recognize the importance of relationships in a professional setting.
Working with a business owner and fellow students, Davis found that taking time to build personal connections strengthened the team's ability to collaborate. Rather than limiting their interactions to scheduled meetings, the group visited the business together and made an effort to get to know one another.
By the end of the project, Davis had developed friendships with his teammates and a deeper appreciation for the importance of communication, trust and collaboration.
"I think, in any aspect of life, not just in business, if you're working with other people, a massive, massive advantage you can have is having a good relationship with them," Davis said.
That experience reinforced a lesson he has carried throughout his time at Michigan: the people around him are just as important as the work itself.
Looking back on his college experience, Davis is particularly proud of his decision to become involved outside of soccer. What initially required stepping beyond his comfort zone has become an important part of his personal and professional development.
"I'm not just a soccer player in college; I can be more than that," Davis said.
That growth has also shaped how he views success and setbacks.
When Davis arrived at Michigan, he quickly discovered that college required a different level of independence and responsibility than high school. Over time, challenging classes, difficult exams and the demands of collegiate athletics taught him how to adapt his approach and hold himself accountable.
"I think failure is obviously the best teacher," Davis said.
Now in his senior year, Davis recognizes how those experiences have helped him mature as both a student and an athlete.
His accomplishments on the field have also provided meaningful memories, including scoring his first collegiate goal, a game-winner against Wisconsin. Yet when reflecting on his journey, Davis places just as much value on the relationships and personal growth that have accompanied those moments.
He credits his parents and brother for their continued support while recognizing the example his parents have set in teaching him the importance of kindness, character and caring for others.
Those values have become central to how he hopes to be remembered beyond soccer.
"Outside of soccer, I just want to be seen as someone people can rely on," Davis said.
As Davis considers his future, he hopes to continue playing soccer for as long as possible, while remaining open to the opportunities his Michigan education may create in the business world.
Although his next chapter has yet to be determined, he is confident that the experiences, relationships and lessons gained during his time in Ann Arbor will continue to guide him.
For incoming Michigan student-athletes, Davis offers advice shaped by his own experience.
"Approach college with an open mind, take advantage of opportunities and avoid placing too much pressure on having a perfect experience."
"Don't worry about having a perfect experience or having the most fun you can imagine, just focus on having the experience," Davis said.
For Davis, that approach has made his time at Michigan about more than academic recognition or athletic achievements. It has been an opportunity to grow, build meaningful relationships and develop the character and confidence to pursue whatever comes next.
