Southeast's Tulip signs with UWA
Mar. 20—Southeast Lauderdale High School senior Elliot Tulip will continue to make plays on the basketball court after graduation as the starting guard for the Tigers signed Wednesday, March 20, to continue his athletic career with the University of West Alabama.
Coach Harold Truman said Tulip, who helped lead the Tigers to the state championship game in 2023, is a talented player who brings hard work and determination in both his academic and athletic careers.
"One thing that always stood about him was his hard work and determination," he said. "Some things you can't coach, and I thank God his parents put that in him before he got here, so that made it easy for us to coach. And so now, all the hard work and determination he's put in, he's getting the benefits."
Tulip said his time at Southeast has helped him develop as an athlete and as an individual, and his coaches and teammates have been there to support him the entire time.
"It's been a great journey. I've enjoyed every minute of it," he said. "I feel like it's grown me a lot as a person, and I just thank my coaches a lot for that."
The decision to sign with the University of West Alabama was made after considering both the academic and athletic environments of the campus, Tulip said. The college, he said, is a great fit.
"I love the coaches there. I love the environment. Environment is very important to me," he said. "I think the academic, I think I'll fit well there too. I think it's a great fit, and I'm just blessed to have this opportunity."
UWA is also relatively close to home, which allows him to return home more often, Tulip said, and his parents will be able to come watch some of his games if they choose.
Contact Thomas Howard at thoward@themeridianstar.com
