Tal Dean is a multisport athlete who competed in varsity soccer, basketball and baseball his senior year. As a freshman, Dean participated in Parkway North basketball, but the following years, only played basketball recreationally and took soccer and baseball more seriously as a crucial part of North’s team.
“I’ve played many sports for North and the team communities have all been drastically different, but the level of camaraderie has always stayed the same. I think that’s what makes the North’s athletic department community more special than others,” said Dean.
With many years of experience at different sports, Dean understands the diversity that North’s athletics have to offer. His multifaceted skill set was a major contributor to him recently being named the St. Louis Post Dispatch Scholar Athlete for North High.
“Whether you play five sports or just one, every year is different with new people joining and leaving. Although there are different characters individually on every team and different ideologies on every team, we are all working together for one goal. This makes the togetherness different from one another, but at the same level,” said Dean.

Aliyah Williams played varsity girls basketball for four years at North; scored 1,000 career points; made first team all-district, all-conference and all-state this past year and recently won the opportunity to participate in a nationwide contest: American Family Insurance High School Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships. The entire North community cheered her on and voted her through.
“My parents have been my strongest supporters throughout my high school career,” said Williams.
In addition to Williams dominating on the court, she also credits basketball to helping her grow off the court as well.
“Basketball has affected my life in many different ways. It has helped me become a better person and taught me how to persevere in life. I love [basketball] because it teaches me life lessons and to work hard,” said Williams.
Though Williams is the one executing such impressive talent, her raw skill isn’t the only reason she’s at this point.
“My parents helped me excel by giving me words of encouragement and constructive criticism to help me become a better player. And I have helped myself stay motivated by just playing the sport I love and working hard at it,” said Williams.