South Greene volleyball player Davanie Tarleton has a accomplished some big things as a Lady Rebel, and she is looking forward to even more on-court success in the future after signing with Walters State on Tuesday afternoon.
“This is a relief honestly. I’ve been going back and forth for a while, and it feels good to have somewhere to go,” Tarleton said. “It means everything to have this chance. Ever since I started playing volleyball, I wanted to be able to play at the next level.”
At South Greene Tarleton has helped the Lady Rebels to the Class A State Tournament in each of her four seasons. As a freshman she was part of South Greene’s state championship team and as a senior she was selected to the TSWA Class A All-State team. She was a powerful force at the net for the Lady Rebels and was named the District 1-A Hitter of the Year as well as the MVP of both the District 1-A and Region 1-A Tournament.
She is hoping to keep that on-court success going as she joins a Lady Senators program that is on the rise. This past season Walters State went 27-7, winning the TCCAA Tournament and NJCAA Southeast B District Championship to advance to the 20-team NJCAA National Tournament. Walters State has won three consecutive TCCAA Tournaments and advanced to the national tournament three times in the last five seasons after starting the program in 2015.
“It kind of gives me déjà vu of coming into South Greene as a freshman. We had that state tournament streak going and we ended up winning a state championship my freshman year. I’m hoping for another repeat of that,” Tarleton said.
What Tarleton likes most about Walters State is the family atmosphere coach Megan Blaylock has created within the program. She is also glad she can stay close to home while continuing to play the game she loves.
“I feel like Walters State is going to be my next home,” Tarleton said. “It’s a very tight-knit community like we have here at South Greene. I really like the coaches, and the girls are really kind. I also like that it’s close to home.”
The Lady Senators are planning to use Tarleton as a middle and right-side hitter. She knows she will have to improve her speed and reaction times as she steps into a new level of competition.
“I have to be ready to play at that faster pace. College volleyball is a lot faster and it may take a little bit to adjust to playing with a whole new team, but I’m ready for the challenge,” Tarleton said.
Tarleton is not sure what she is going to major in, but is considering pursuing a career in the field of veterinary medicine.
