Dean taking full ride to Lamar

Posted 11/21/19

East Texas girls basketball Player of the Year Sabria Dean was all smiles on Friday afternoon as she accepted a full four-year scholarship to Lamar University.

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Dean taking full ride to Lamar

Posted

East Texas girls basketball Player of the Year Sabria Dean was all smiles on Friday afternoon as she accepted a full four-year scholarship to Lamar University. Dean, joined by family, teammates, coaches and friends exclaimed, “College for free!” as she opened the acceptance celebration in the Mineola High School gymnasium.

Dean explained, “This scholarship represents everything I have worked for, since I was a young girl. A full scholarship, playing ball, its everything I hoped to accomplish.”

Sabria’s mother, Sabrina Dean, reminded everyone that she started coaching her daughter at the age of four in the local Little Dribblers organization.

Mineola Athletic Director Luke Blackwell lauded Dean for her character, attitude and effort. Previous girls basketball coach Tony Riley described Dean as “a special, special young lady,” while present Lady Jacket coach Brad Gibson added that “in addition to her amazing skills, she is always looking for ways to get the ball to her teammates.” Parent Michelle Fischer came forward and thanked Dean for all that she has done for the sport of girls basketball in the community.

The event was attended by many of Dean’s extended family. In addition to her mother, Sabrina Dean, and her father James Dean, Jr., those in attendance included brother James Dean, III, aunt Elaine Tuck, aunt Louise Tuck Clark, aunt Audrey Turman, great uncle Stanley Tuck, uncle Gerald Berry, uncle Gareth Berry, uncle Cecil Tuck, Jr., and cousins Victoria Meankins and Valerie Palmer. Approximately 50 classmates and friends joined in the celebration.

Mrs. Dean detailed how Lamar University was the very first Division I school who offered her daughter a scholarship. Despite many additional offers from other schools, and after an official visit, Lamar University in Beaumont was the perfect fit.

In addition to playing for the Big Red, Dean will pursue a degree in occupational therapy.