NEW MADISON – Tri-Village Lady Patriots senior Tai Mize has signed to continue her basketball career at Fairmont State University, joining the Lady Falcons women’s basketball program in Fairmont, West Virginia.
“I chose Fairmont State because of the team and the coaches,” Mize said. “They make me feel like family, especially off the court too. Having that chemistry and culture off the court really helps produce on the court. The situation was best for me.”
Mize plans to study Exercise Science and is the daughter of Teresa and Tri-Village JV coach Doug Mize.
“Tai has put a lot of time and effort into it and worked very hard and is very coachable,” Doug said. “As a coach and parent, we’ve had moments as well, but they have always been for the positive aspect of it. I’m beyond blessed to be a part of this—just a small part of her life.”
“She works hard, she’s a good kid, she has a good heart, she genuinely cares about her teammates, she loves school,” added her mother. “She is looking forward to her next step.”
A tenacious defender and steady floor general, Mize averaged 12.3 points, 4.2 assists and 2.8 steals per game as a junior. As a sophomore, she posted 8.6 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.9 steals per game while serving as the Lady Patriots’ starting point guard.
“Tai is a true point guard—an extension of a coach on the floor,” said veteran Tri-Village coach Brad Gray. “She truly understands what we’re trying to accomplish, and you always want your point guard to be an extension of the coach. She knows exactly what we’re looking for in certain moments and typically makes her teammates better.”
Gray noted that Mize’s selflessness sets her apart.
“She could be a little more selfish, but she’s not,” he continued. “She tries to get the right shots for the right kids at the right time. If that’s her, great—if not, she’ll draw defenders and create a better look for someone else. On defense, she does a great job as a lockdown defender, putting pressure on the ball.
“I know what she does for us, and if she can go to Fairmont State and do what she does here, they’re getting a really good point guard. True point guards are hard to find—that’s what they’re getting with her.”
Gray expects her play style to translate seamlessly to the college level.
“She’s going to be a floor general, a kid who doesn’t care how many points she scores—she’s truly just trying to make the right plays so her teams can win. She’s a proven winner. She has led us to a lot of victories here at Tri-Village, and I fully expect her to go to the next level and compete and bring a winning mentality there.”
Mize is not only accomplished on the hardwood—she was the starting second baseman on the 2024–2025 Division VI state championship Lady Patriots softball team, which defeated Sugarcreek Garaway 6–0 to finish a perfect 30–0 season.
Mize said she believes she will fit in well with the Lady Falcons and hopes to earn playing time early in her career.
“Talking with my future coaches, I can see myself fitting in pretty consistently right away—definitely learning from a senior point guard who will be there,” she said. “Once she takes off and into her career, there is a pretty good shot that I will have the keys, and hopefully I’ll be able to take what I’ve learned here at Tri-Village on to Fairmont State.”
Grateful for the Journey, Mize took time to thank the many people who helped her reach the next level.
“I first want to thank God because without Him I wouldn’t be able to have the ability to play this sport, especially after high school,” she said. “Also, my family for all the traveling, the money, AAU tournaments, and hotel stays—without that, none of this would have been possible. All my teammates and coaches who have helped push me throughout the years.”
