PETTICOAT JUNCTION — Silver Bluff volleyball head coach Helen Drayton would often come into the gym and see Tamia Valentine working on getting better well before the start of practice.
Valentine was chasing a goal she had for a long time — extending her career to the college level. On Wednesday she took the first step in what her coaches and teammates expect to be a strong college playing career. She signed a letter of intent to play for the Claflin Panthers.
"I'm very excited that I'm finally getting to live my dream of playing volleyball at Claflin," Valentine said. "It's just a dream come true."
Valentine was the primary setter for the Silver Bluff team for the past two seasons. She finished her senior season with 462 assists and earned a spot on the All-Aiken Standard volleyball second team.
"I've seen this young lady and her skills grow as a setter and an athlete," Drayton said. "She stepped in and did what was asked of her."
On the court, Valentine plans to push herself to become an even better defensive specialist. The opportunity to continue to grow is part of what led her to the NCAA Division II university located in Orangeburg.
"I love the campus, and I love the atmosphere surrounding the volleyball team and my future teammates," Valentine said.
Claflin's volleyball team is under the leadership of head coach Mary Rotimi, who jus finished her first season at the helm.
"I think at the next level she's going to do great things," Drayton said.
Valentine is planning to major in digital design.
