By Rebecca Davis, Special for the Tribune
MOODY – Moody High School Senior Tori Pyles recently signed a scholarship to Calhoun Community College to pursue her academic and basketball career. Pyles has been an instrumental leader in the recent success and cultural change in the Lady Devils basketball program. Over her tenure at Moody, Pyles has been selected to numerous All-County and All-Area Teams. She helped guide her team to 3 consecutive playoff appearances and a run to the Sweet 16 this season. Pyles became the first 1,000 Point scorer in Moody High School girls’ history this season as well.
Head Coach Rebecca Davis said that it has been her honor to coach a player such as Pyles. “Players like Tori are the reason coaches go into coaching. Not all kids want to be coached.. not all kids can take criticism and use it to better themselves. Tori always trusted me to have her best interest at heart. She worked constantly to improve herself. Her dedication to our program, along with the support and loyalty that I received from her parents, is something that will stay with me throughout my career.”
Assistant Coach Madison Dillashaw said that Pyles is leaving a well-respected legacy. “Tori has been a leader since she was a freshman. It was a role that she took seriously and did with confidence and respect. Above all, she was a teammate everyone deserves, leading by example and encouragement while holding everyone, even our coaching staff, to a high level of commitment.”
Pyles, the daughter of Von and Candra Pyles, is excited about her opportunity to play at the next level. “I am thankful to Coach Byrd-Vinson for giving me the chance to play at the next level. Calhoun has a great program, and I hope to be able to contribute immediately. As difficult as it is for me to think about moving on from Moody High School and our program, my goal is to continue to represent my parents, coaches, and teammates to the best of my ability.”