A Martin County West graduate celebrated Independence Day by playing in her first pro beach volleyball tournament.
Taryn (Tumbleson) Carlson, now of Littleton, Colo., and her teammate, Sarah Maniago of Arvada, Colo., played in the AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) Denver Open.
The team of Gella Andrew and Jordan Boulware defeated Carlson and Maniago 2-1 (21-9, 17-21, 15-7) in the opening round of the single-elimination, 61-team tournament.
Taryn and her playing partner are active in the volleyball community in Colorado and play in several highly competitive leagues.
According to her mom, Melissa Fellows Tumbleson, Taryn got serious about women’s doubles about 18 months ago. Taryn and Sarah have played as a team in numerous tournaments in Colorado and Florida.
Maniago is on the pro track and Carlson is trying to stay active in the sport.
Taryn was a three-sport (volleyball, basketball, track and field) standout at Martin County West.
The Mavericks played in three straight state tournaments (2012-2014) but injuries sustained in a car accident caused her to miss the 2013 season.
She holds school records in the 200 meters, 55-meter hurdles, 100-meter hurdles and was on three school record relay teams (4x100, 4x200, sprint medley) and her name appears on the honor roll in several other events.
Taryn went on to play four years of basketball and one season of lacrosse at Northwestern University in Roseville.
