Leadership, ability, work ethic. They’re traits that epitomize virtually every elite athlete at any level. For Washington volleyball, the list of positive characteristics continues for Adriana Tyson, who has been named the Washington Daily News Volleyball Player of the Year for the pivotal role she played in head coach Kelly Slade’s rotation.

“The thing about her is, even though she was the leader stat wise, she was a great leader on the court,” Tyson said. “She was a great mentor to the younger players and to the other seniors. She was a teacher. She helped me coach.”

Tyson was one of four pieces who have shared a court since middle at P.S. Jones, where Slade was also the coach. Beginning her high school career as a standout softball player, Tyson’s love for volleyball quickly developed through the years. Suddenly, the year-round grind associated with softball was supplemented with volleyball. Eventually, it was on the hardwood where she made a name for herself.

At the net, Tyson notched 293 kills and 98 blocks, leading the county in both categories. While hardly the tallest player on the court, her physical ability to elevate and cognitive ability to time her kills made Tyson Slade’s most valuable offensive weapon.

But the Washington senior also produced from the back line, recording 71 aces and 457 digs, second only to senior defensive specialist Allison Brantley, who had 564.

Her flexibility on the floor is partially why Lenoir Community College’s coach David Barnes was interested in adding her to his roster. In November, Tyson decided to put the idea of playing softball at the collegiate level behind her and inked her letter of intent to play for the Lady Lancers volleyball team.

Tyson’s consistent play, along with a talented support cast, propelled the Pam Pack to its first Eastern Plains Conference championship and a conference tournament title. The team finished with a 17-8 record for the second-straight season, quite the jump from the sub-.500 teams Tyson witnessed early in her high school career.

In the first round of the playoffs, a strong first two games from Tyson resulted in a quick 2-0 lead, one that limited her time through the final game against Goldsboro. But in the second round, Bunn’s Tainasha Vines became the first hitter this season to match Tyson at the net. Washington lost, 3-1, ending its season and Tyson’s career.

Tyson will pursue a Nursing degree at Lenoir Community College, while also suiting up for the Lady Lancers.