Tatiana Thompson's smile says it all.
It's a state championship smile.
"I wanted it so bad," said the Winter Haven power forward about winning a state title. "I’ve always wanted to win a ring since even before I got to high school, I always said I wanted one."
The Blue Devils beat South Broward 72-65 to claim the Class 8A title.
Winter Haven is now the first girls' program in Polk County history to win back-to-back titles.
Thompson finally has one, even though the Lady Blue Devils claimed their second straight title. After laying a foundation her freshman and sophomore years, a family matter moved her to Utah.
"You know, she’s crying," said head coach Johnnie Lawson. "I’m crying. The mom’s crying. Dad. Everybody’s crying. I literally said our season is over."
Until it wasn't. In 2016, The Blue Devils beat Lakewood Ranch for the 7A crown 44-28.
"When they won, I was just like, it made me want to win one that much more," said Thompson.
She would get her chance.
Life brought Thompson back to Winter Haven for her senior year and she saved her best game for last. The Georgetown bound power forward scored a team high and career-high 20 points in the title tilt.
"She brought that last game," said Lawson. "I mean we really rode her back. I think if we don’t have the play out of her. We don’t win the game. No questions."
"Tears, blood sweat, we did so much running, but it all paid off," said Thompson.
As for those tears of sadness, they are now tears of joy.
After winning last year, the girls rode a firetruck for their celebratory parade through town. After back-to-back championships, Lawson is working on convertibles and it wouldn't surprise anyone if Thompson was leading the pack.