Sunday, April 28, 2013

V.I.'s Barry gets full scholarship, chance to shine at Jackson State

ST. CROIX, Virgin Islands  --  As a high school senior, Tamisha Barry watched as her teammates on St. Croix Educational Complex's volleyball team received athletic scholarships to universities in the United States.

It took her a little while, but Barry finally got that scholarship of her own, having just earned a full ride to play at Jackson State University, a Division I college in Jackson, Miss.

For at least a little while, it looked liked the day might never come.

"She kind of got left behind and couldn't get a scholarship," recalled Complex coach Ophelia Jackson, who has been coaching Barry since she was in seventh grade. "So I said you have to stay with me and work hard."

For the next several months Barry - who graduated from Educational Complex in 2012 - did just that, training with her longtime coach and refining her game with St. Croix's Youth Volleyball Club team.

It wasn't until January 2013, after resubmitting her college applications and game tapes, that Barry had an opportunity play collegiate volleyball, thanks to Jackson State University Lady Tigers head coach Rose Washington, who also grew up on St. Croix.

CONTINUE READING

No comments: