Athlete Spotlight: Alana Dyson

Harlem softball coach Mike Leverett compiles profiles on each of his players when they are ready to start looking at colleges, and sends the profiles to various schools.

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He tries to match the player's ability to the school and is realistic in telling them which schools fit their talent level.

This year, though, with Bulldogs senior Alana Dyson, Leverett hasn't needed to narrow the list.

"You can send her profiles anywhere," Leverett said.

Dyson has visited Colgate University and Augusta State University. She's heard from Mercer and the University of Tennessee.

Coaches are liking what they see of the information Leverett has sent.

Dyson was batting .403 after last week's win over Cross Creek. She's stolen 16 bases, scored 26 runs, and legged out three triples and two inside-the-park home runs.

"Wherever she goes, somebody's going to get a good ball player," Leverett said.

Dyson is a slap hitter. And her speed puts pressure on opposing defenses.

The four-year starter said she would love to end up in Knoxville, Tenn., where the Volunteers have a history of using slappers.

She's not picky.

"As long as I can play, it doesn't matter," she said.

Leverett doesn't think there will be a problem for a team to find a spot for Dyson next season. Her batting numbers are easily the highest on the team.

Leverett said she hits better against tougher pitching.

"When you got a player -- you face good pitching like Greenbrier and Oconee County -- and they still try to pitch around her, you know you got a good player at the plate," he said.

As dangerous a hitter as Dyson is, Leverett gets more excited talking about Dyson's defense.

Her natural position is in the outfield, where her speed allows her to chase balls with ease. Leverett has had to use Dyson in the infield much of the season while dealing with depth issues.

In response, Dyson took extra groundballs in practice to prepare for an unfamiliar spot. The extra effort was a demonstration of what Dyson said is an increased leadership role for her this season.

"I don't think I stepped up last year," she said. "I sat back and didn't say much. I've been trying to lead by example more than I have been."

Dyson has since moved from shortstop to second.

Harlem pitcher Kayleigh McNair has been out with a sore shoulder, and freshman Kristen Mills, who played second when not in the circle, has been the Bulldogs' primary hurler.

That leaves Dyson at second. But when McNair returns, Dyson could move back to center. The prospect brings a smile to Leverett's face, and he thinks Dyson will have the same reaction.

"She'll be a much happier player going back to the outfield," Leverett said.

For now, Dyson is content to play wherever needed. By beating Cross Creek last week, the Bulldogs probably locked up a No. 3 seed in the Region 3-AAAA playoffs, which start Saturday at Diamond Lakes.

The Bulldogs could have McNair back by then. Dyson might be able to move back to the outfield.

"I just hope we continue winning," she said.