Known for their high kicks and the jump splits, the organization has traveled around the world, has entertained millions and spurred a multi-billion-dollar dance/drill team industry worldwide.
Davis went to public schools in Farmersville, and enrolled at the Texas Woman's University (then the College of Industrial Arts) in 1923, where she advanced an intention to become a concert pianist.
[1] Her mother had taught her music from an early age but her dancing style was not widely accepted in the South-Central United States.
[1][2] Davis graduated in 1927 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and began her professional career the following year at Greenville High School as an instructor of physical education, and pep squad sponsor.
Kilgore College president Dean B. E. Masters hired Davis the following year to form a group that would keep football spectators in their seats during halftime, rather than consuming alcohol and brawling under the stands.
[2] She later hired accompanist Hazel Stewart, the team's long-time sponsor L. N. Crim, and assistants Peggy Coghlan, Barbara Harmon, and Deana Bolton.
[1] Davis' work created a multi-billion industry that encompasses multiple uniform and prop companies, drill camps worldwide, specialist choreographers and travel agencies dedicated to the drill-team-dance style she built upon.
[1] Davis was named an honorary citizen of Fort Worth and received a State of Texas House of Representatives Certificate of Citation.