Tyne Ross was always there. A spring graduate of Union Pines High School, Tyne had perfect attendance from kindergarten through 12th grade. She put together that unmarked slate while also excelling in volleyball and tennis.
The Cameron native, who graduated from Union Pines with a 4.2 GPA, reflected on her high school years as she readies for the next challenge.
“It was kind of sad (to be leaving),” Tyne said. “But it’s time to go to a new chapter.”
According to Tyne, the drive for not missing class began at home.
“It all started because my parents set this for me,” she said. “I did go virtual for a couple years during COVID. I didn’t get sick, luckily.”
Scheduled to attend North Carolina A&T on scholarship, Tyne looks forward to playing volleyball, her favorite sport, for the Aggies. In high school, volleyball and tennis took place during the same season.
“With tennis, I just started in eighth grade,” she said. “I’ve been playing volleyball for a long time.”
Tyne returned to volleyball for Union Pines after not playing as a sophomore and junior due to her remote status. The reunion met expectations.
“I really enjoyed it,” she said. “I had played as a freshman. I had great teammates and coaches.”
The Vikings finished the season with a 20-7 overall record. In conference matchups, they were 11-4. Tyne was first on the team in several categories, including kills (360), digs (321), serving aces (58), aces per set (0.8), digs per set (4.2), kills per set (4.7) and hitting percentage (. 396).
She also had 46 total blocks and 143 receptions.
“You can definitely see my eye for the game and my love for the game,” Tyne, when asked what gives her an edge, said.
Defense and aggressiveness on the court are other sources of pride.
Going to college mandates adjustment. Tyne, based on visiting North Carolina A&T, has good vibes about the raised bar.
“It went really well,” she said. “I’ve met my coaches and some of my teammates.”
Well aware that fall will come quickly, she focuses on keeping her skill set sharp.
“I’ll be moving in soon,” Tyne said. “I’ll start practice then.”
Given Tyne’s success in, and devotion to, athletics, her long-term goal — to become a sports broadcaster — seems ideal.
“I really like sports,” she said. “That career choice would help me stay in sports.”
In a statement on SportsRecruits, Tyne provided insight on what’s ahead.
“I will continue to work hard and give limitless effort to accomplish my dreams,” she said.
To nominate an exceptional athlete to be featured in an article, please email [email protected].
Feature photo: Tyne Ross/contributed photo.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Dave Lukow. Dave has been honored as both a lyricist and screenwriter. Among other publications he’s contributed to are the Buffalo News, JD Journal, Beckett Hockey, Seminole Player’s Life, Poker Pro, Walmart World, and All In.
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