As a standout volleyball and basketball player for Southside High School, Africa Tyler said she always had a strong support system. That was evident Tuesday as family, friends, teachers and coaches and Mayor George Evans gathered in the Wallace Community College gym to see Tyler sign on with the Lady Patriots volleyball team.

Continuing her career close to home, Tyler said, has always been a goal.

“It means a lot,” she said. “I know I never would have reached the next level without people there to help me. I know I’ll continue to have their support.”

During her senior year at Southside, Tyler was voted Most Valuable Player for both the volleyball and basketball squads. Lady Panther head coach April O’Neal said Tyler has been a pleasure to coach and teach.

“She has always done a great job of balancing her class work,” she said. “I have no doubt that she will succeed in college. Africa can handle herself.”

Tyler said she will play both volleyball and basketball. In both sports she will play under head coach April Harper. Harper said she did not have to look far, or do a great deal of background checks to know what kind of player she is getting.

“I’ve followed her since seventh grade and worked with her,” she said. “It is a delight to sign her. I’ve watched her grow since middle school and we are excited to have her here.”

A large part of Tyler’s foundation, she said, is her mother, Wanda.

Her familiarity with Wallace Community College and the coaches, Wanda said, made the school an easy choice.

“We know their program and we know how they coach,” she said. ”She started with Coach Harper in the seventh grade and was the only seventh grader to play varsity.”

Tyler said she plans to prepare for a major in criminal justice while at Wallace.