By Haley Mitchell Godwin

Tanna Singleton, a recent Crenshaw Christian Academy (CCA) graduate, knows a thing or two about hard work and dedication.
Not many high school seniors can say they managed to make the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) All-Star team in every sport they played, but Singleton can.

When asked about her experience juggling sports and academics, Singleton said, “It does take a lot of time, devoting so much to sports and academics, but it was very much worth it. As long as I pay attention at school, I don’t have to study much at home, and I am very thankful for that.”

Despite the busy schedule that comes with being a high school senior involved in every sport available – volleyball, basketball, softball and cheerleading – Singleton managed to shine bright on each team, earning placement on the AISA All-Star team in each activity. Singleton also earned an associate’s degree from Lurleen Wallace Community College before graduating high school with a 4.0, and was chosen as the 2023 Crenshaw Christian Academy salutatorian.

Singleton earned the title of 2022 AISA All-Star cheerleader, showcased her prowess as a 2022 AISA All-Star volleyball player, demonstrated her talent as a 2022-2023 AISA All-Star basketball player, and exhibited her skills as a 2023 AISA All-Star softball player.

She also earned a spot on the 2023 AISA All-Tournament softball team. Notably, Singleton was a valuable member of the 2022-2023 AISA Class A State Runner-Up basketball team and played a crucial role in the 2023 AISA Class A State Runner-Up softball team.
Singleton’s high school journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion and dedication, according to head volleyball coach Rose Wise. Wise stated that Singleton’s ability to effectively manage her time and prioritize her responsibilities has been a key factor in her success.

“Tanna is a perfectionist and highly, highly competitive, but very coachable,” Wise said. “She’s had the highest serving average and the most aces every year she has played volleyball at CCA. Her height has always been a plus, but she was awesome on the net because she could read and anticipate the movement of the ball. When you have a player that can adjust and adapt like that by watching the other side of the net, the rest of the team then knows where to go by watching her. She wants to be a veterinarian and she has the dedication, discipline, and the other things needed to reach her goal. She was a pleasure to coach and her work ethic alone will ensure that she is successful with anything she does.”

One of Singleton’s most memorable moments came during her senior year when she and her basketball team reached the championship game. According to Singleton that achievement strongly represented the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and teamwork.

Behind Tanna Singleton’s accomplishments lies a strong support system that includes her parents, David and Jodie Singleton, who played an instrumental role in nurturing her talents and fostering her growth. Their unwavering support and encouragement have provided her with the foundation to thrive both on and off the field/court.

Head softball coach Cris Pedersen said Singleton gives her all in everything she does.

“Tanna is a very hard-working young lady,” Pedersen said. “In every sport she played she did her job and did it well. In volleyball,basketball, and softball she was always a player that could be counted on to give us an extra step up on our opponents. Tanna puts her heart into whatever she is doing and is a very observant and calculated person. She would always see what the other team was doing, and come up with ways around it. Tanna is not only a team player but a student of the game, whatever that game may be. Her passion and drive is what put her over the edge, making her a valuable part of every team she was on and I know she will go far with any endeavor she undertakes.”

Singleton understands the value of participating in extracurricular activities and encourages younger students to do the same. She believes that the experiences gained, and the friendships formed through sports will leave a lasting impact.

“I encourage younger students to participate as much as you can because it is worth it in the long run for sure,” Singleton said. “It flies by so fast, but the memories and friendships I have made will last a lifetime and the things I have learned will stick with me forever.”

Looking ahead, Singleton has set her sights on attending Auburn University to pursue her dream of becoming a small animal veterinarian. With her passion for animals and her unwavering determination, there is no doubt that she will excel in this field and make a positive impact in the lives of countless animals and their owners.