By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – When Thompson High School senior volleyball player Taylin McCarver set foot on the University of West Alabama’s campus in Livingston, she knew she had found the right place.

“I really enjoy the small-town feel. Livingston is like home,” McCarver said after a signing ceremony in her honor in the THS library on Nov. 14. “All the coaches are great. I’m just really excited.”

McCarver recently finished her third season on the THS varsity volleyball squad, and recorded 205 kills and 58 blocks in her senior season.

THS head volleyball coach Kellyanne Gandy praised McCarver’s work ethic and dedication to the school’s program, and said UWA will be an ideal fit for her collegiate career.

“I want to tell you how excited we are, and how proud we are of you,” Gandy told McCarver. “What a perfect match on both ends. I think you made the perfect choice.”

THS Principal Chris Tangle said the scholarship signing ceremony was a long time coming.

“She has done a great job for us this year, and we are excited to be a part of this today,” Tangle said. “We are excited that she will further her career at a great place to play. Today has been coming since she was a little, little girl.”

Julie Dailey, who has been working with McCarver for years through her job with Southern Performance Volleyball, said McCarver wasn’t afraid to sacrifice social events to hone her volleyball skills.

“There is not a person more worthy of receiving this today,” Dailey said. “She is a phenomenal young lady.”

McCarver’s father, Todd, summed up his thoughts in a few words.

“We are just tickled to death,” Todd McCarver said with a laugh.