TATE SMALL AND HIS FAMILY COME UP BIG IN SPORTS

To say the Small family has come up big in athletics would be an understatement.  Starting at the top with the Small parents, Glenn and Patty, athletics have played quite a role in their lives.  Glenn, a Myers Park High School Graduate,  played football for Duke University and Patty excelled in volleyball for the Blue Devils.   Their athletic abilities have been passed on to all five children, Starr, Cami, Shane, Parker and Tate.

Starr was a three sport athlete at Providence, Softball, Volleyball, and basketball graduating in 2002. She was All-Conference in volleyball and softball.  Starr had opportunities to play softball in college but chose to go to UNC Chapel Hill as a regular student where she played Club Softball She is in graduate school now at UNC Chapel Hill and is currently in Prague, Czech Republic (studying abroad) and will earn her Masters this December.

Cami graduated from Providence in 2003 and was also All-Conference, All County in softball and volleyball and played basketball as well.  She was voted the MVP at the State Volleyball Championship in Raleigh Cami played a year of softball at The University of Tennessee before focusing on her nursing degree.

Shane, graduated from Providence last season and signed to pitch baseball for East Carolina University. Shane was an All-State and All-Conference baseball player.  He also was named All-Conference in basketball and led the state in blocked shots as a senior, including a single game high of 11.

Starr, Cami and Shane all received the Providence Award for Best Female or Male Athlete at Providence High School their senior years.

Parker was a three sport athlete her freshman year, softball, basketball, and volleyball. She gave up softball after freshman year  and gave up basketball this year after being All-Conference her sophomore year and voted her team's MVP.  Parker plays for the CJV Rage, a Nationally ranked 17 and Under Club team as a 6' 2"Middle Hitter.

Tate is the “baby” of the family, standing 5’6” in sixth grade, he usually finds himself as the tallest player on the basketball court.  Playing for Olde Providence Recreation Association, Tate is one of the top centers in the area.  His long arms are often used to block shots. Tate has learned many lessons from his parents and older brothers and sisters and now applies them in his sporting events.

The energetic sixth grader at Community House Middle School is quick to credit his parents and older siblings with helping him to become a good athlete.

“I always had someone to play with, and all my brothers and sisters would take the time to help me learn how to play sports. Shane really helped me with my shooting and post moves.  I had so much fun going to all of his games at Providence.”

Tate also enjoys playing baseball for Olde Providence Recreation Association. He plays Pitcher, 1B and 3B during the summer.

Tate is a solid student at Community House, and records A’s and B’s on his report cards. Away from school and the basketball court, Tate is like most kids, he enjoys playing with his friends and playing video games.

If Tate continues to grow, the South Charlotte area will have another 6’6” basketball player in a few years!   Continued Success Tate!