Tarrance Price of Valparaiso was born in Georgia, but began his story in Junction City, Kansas where he was raised. He graduated from his local high school, Junction City High School, in 1996 and attended college at Barton County Community College and eventually graduated college from Valparaiso University. At Valparaiso University, he played on the Men’s Basketball Team and played on two NCAA tournament teams in 1999 and 2000. He attained a degree in Physical Education and later completed a Master’s program in Sports Administration.
Now, Tarrance utilizes his degrees by working for Valparaiso Parks and Recreation. Before coming to the Valparaiso Parks Department, he worked for the Kentwood, Michigan Parks Department. He began working for Valparaiso Parks Department in January of 2017 as the Recreation Superintendent.
“What I enjoy most about my job is the people I work with, along with the opportunity to be a part of a progressive department,” said Price.
Outside of working at Valparaiso Parks and Recreation Department, Tarrance is also involved with the community. In the community, he is a part of the “Be the Dream” mentoring group through the Greater Good. He is also a Fit City basketball coach.
“Sometimes, your greatest impact is closer than you realize which is why I believe in giving back to the community,” said Price.
Throughout life, we all have a mentor who leads and guides us through life. Tarrance is lucky to have more than one mentor that has influenced him throughout his life so far. Those people include Pete Kaeding, Jeff Frey, Thomas Wilson, Dr. Barbara Tyree. His greatest supporter, he explained, is his father George Price.
“I am where I am today through grace, faith, having a great support system and being blessed to meet great people who have invested in me along my journey,” said Price. “I truly enjoy life.”