CLINTWOOD ? As one of the few senior female athletes in the school, leadership comes easily for Clintwood's Tammy Mullins.
Mullins has been an integral part of Green Wave athletics for five years now, but her attributes extend far beyond the playing surface.
When Tammy and her brother reached an age where they were capable of looking after themselves, the Mullins family began taking in foster children - recently adopting one of the kids, Chelsea.
Jealous at first of the attention her parents were pouring on others, Mullins soon learned that she had a lot to learn.
"When Chelsea came, I was jealous," Tammy said. "I didn't want anything to do with her. But I've grown up a lot since then. I've learned there are kids out there who need people. It's so sad to see these kids come in from just horrible situations where they may have been abused or not had anything. You never really realize what some kids go through until you see them in your house.
"It has put everything into perspective for me. Me and my brother used to complain all the time. We didn't know how well we had it until we saw what others had been through."
Mullins has embraced her parents' generosity and has taken it a step further. She volunteers her time to other foster families.
"I mentor kids with no parents," she said. "I take them to the park, play games, take them out to eat, whatever."
She takes what money she has and uses it to give others a chance at a moment of happiness.
"If it makes the kids happy, money is not an issue," she said. "I have things and I want to share with those who don't."
Planning to attend college at Virginia-Wise, Mullins may have to put some of her altruistic endeavors on the back burner - but it's only temporary.
Even her chosen career path, nursing, will put her in a position to help both on the job at home.
"I want to make a difference in someone's lives," she said. "I want to be an RN and I will most definitely be a foster parent."
As if all that wasn't enough, Mullins finds time to be a premier athlete. In volleyball, she earned all-Lonesome Pine District honors as a junior and senior. This year, she also snared an all-Region D selection.
"It's pretty rare to have a player who can do everything well," volleyball coach Debb Barnett said. "She's good on the front row, she can play defense on the back and is a good server. She's an intelligent player and she's very strong and athletic."
As fall turns to winter, Mullins' game reaches a new level. She was the LPD player of the year in basketball after averaging 17.5 points per game, five rebounds and 6.7 steals.
"I've worked hard on basketball," Mullins said. "When I'm not practicing with the team, I'm practicing myself. I get out there and play with the boys - just do whatever it takes. This is my last year and I wanted to make the most of it."
Although honored to be all-district in both sports, one honor ranks higher in her mind.
"All-district in basketball means more because I had to work harder for it," Mullins explained. "I had to compete against better competition."
Not only has she excelled at volleyball and basketball, Mullins also picked up track this year to fill a void on the team. Despite competing for the first time, she's participating in the high jump, long jump and 200 meter dash as well as the 4x100 and 4x400 relays.
"It's something else to keep me active," Mullins said. "I don't like sitting around with nothing to do, so I thought I'd try it."
Mullins still finds time for what's important to her.
"I probably put more time in on schoolwork that I do sports or anything else," she said. "It's hard to get good grades and stay active, but education is very important to me. College is important to me, so I have to take care of business in the classroom."
Bookmarks