OLA Celebrates Three Seniors Continuing Their Athletic Careers at the Collegiate Level

BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. – Our Lady Academy proudly announces that seniors Ambrie Alderman, Loralai Williford, and Tilley Newman have signed to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level, representing the Crescents with pride as they take their talents forward.

Alderman has signed with the University of Mary Marauders Women’s Tennis Team after five standout years in the OLA program, excelling in both Singles and Doubles. Her accomplishments include the 2023 and 2024 State Championships, the 2024 Singles Individual State Championship, the 2024 Crescents Award, and recognition as the 2025 Singles State Runner-Up and Coach’s Award recipient. She has also competed successfully in numerous regional tournaments. A 4.0 student, Alderman is active in several honor societies, serves as President of Campus Ministry, and is a Monti Scholarship and American Citizenship Award recipient. She will major in Philosophy with minors in History and Theology at the University of Mary. “The second I stepped onto campus, I knew it was the right place for me,” she said. She expressed gratitude to her parents, coaches, and the tennis community for their support.

Williford has committed to the Pearl River Community College Wildcats Volleyball Team, continuing a nine-year volleyball journey that began in fourth grade and developed through club and school play. A key hitter for OLA, she is a three-time State Champion, a 2025 South All-Star Team selection, and a Sea Coast Echo Player of the Week. She said she immediately connected with PRCC’s program: “After touring other schools, I knew this was the right fit for me.” She looks forward to building strong relationships and growing as an athlete. Williford credits her older sister for sparking her love of volleyball and thanked her parents, her WD Nation coaches Danny and Ali Tullis, and OLA Coach Mike Meyers for their support and inspiration.

Newman has signed with the Rhodes College Lynx Women’s Golf Team, continuing a golf career that began in eighth grade and quickly grew into one of the most decorated in OLA history. A five-year member of the Crescents program, she is a four-time OLA MVP Crescent Award recipient and a key contributor to multiple state finishes, including the 2023 Spring State Runner-Up, the 2023 and 2024 Fall State Championships, and the 2025 State Runner-Up. She also claimed the 2023 Region 8 District title, finished as the 2023 Fall State Individual Runner-Up, and was named a 2025 All-Star Golfer. A strong student, Newman is a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta and serves as President of the Spanish National Honor Society, Secretary of SADD, Senior Class Secretary, and an OLA Ambassador. She plans to study Law at Rhodes College, noting that the welcoming environment, strong academics, and supportive coach made it feel like home. She thanked her coaches, parents, OLA faculty, and teammates for their guidance and support.

Our Lady Academy celebrates Ambrie Alderman, Loralai Williford, and Tilley Newman for their achievements, leadership, and dedication and looks forward to cheering them on as they continue their athletic careers with the University of Mary Marauders, the Pearl River Wildcats, and the Rhodes College Lynx.