The Girls’ Basketball Camp is back this summer; everyone is invited to join.
Coach Carlos Tisdale, who will be part of the camp, shared a heartfelt tribute to one of his former players, 18-year-old Zyrainna Drayton, known to many as “Rain.”
She was a South Columbus High School senior and a key Stallions girls’ basketball team member.
Zyrainna was also an honor student, known for earning all A’s.
Her passing in January 2025 deeply affected her school and team.
Students took final exams during that time, and no games were scheduled.
A Coach’s Tribute: Honoring Zyrainna “Rain” Drayton With A Touching Ritual That Captured Hearts Online
A touching moment from her time on the team recently went viral on TikTok– a video showing Coach Tisdale tying Zyrainna’s shoelaces before games.
The name was mistakenly written as Zerina Drayton, but the correct name is Zyrainna “Rain” Drayton.
He still honors her memory by tying her shoes before every game, keeping her spirit close to the team.
@nostalgics_00 Zerina Drayton was a senior on the South Columbus girls' basketball team. Her teammates, family, and friends called her "Ren." Coach Carlos Tisdale tied her shoes before every game and still ties her empty shoes before games in her memory#😢😢😢 #🥺 #rip #memory #fyp #foryoupage ♬ Dandelions (slowed + reverb) – Ruth B. & sped up + slowed
In the comment section, Deondera Drayton shared that Zyrainna was her younger sister and described her as a beautiful soul who greatly impacted everyone around her.
She said Zyrainna’s life was cut short, but her memory will always live on. #Forever18
This is my little sister and yes she was a beautiful soul who left a big dent in this world when her life was cut short 🤞🏾🕊️#forever18
Deondera Drayton
The way the coach walked away, head down and wearing her shirt, broke many of the students on the bench.
Many people praised Coach Tisdale for his actions. One person shared how touching it was, saying it showed his love and respect for Zyrainna.
They said being a great coach is all about honoring his players, even after they’re gone.
That is so sweet that shows lots of respect he had for her and that’s what a coach is for he is a really good person to keep the memories going even after she painted the sky this is so sweet❤️❤️
Its Chloe
Another person said they never imagined watching someone tie their shoes could bring them to tears, but this moment did. They called it a beautiful ritual and a powerful symbol of lasting love.
I never thought seeing a man tie shoes would make me sob from my soul but here I am. This is such a beautiful ritual and show of unending love. 💙💙💙
I Am The Marine
Further, a Tiktok user, OpiyumPoppi, expressed that coaches teach valuable lessons like discipline, self-awareness, and confidence.
From the video, it’s clear that Coach cared deeply for her.
She wished for him to have a long, happy life, while also paying tribute to the young girl who passed away. RIP.
Coaches teach discipline, self-awareness, and confidence. I know he loved her to pieces from this video. May he live a long, prosperous and happy life. RIP to the girl who’s dearly departed.
OpiyumPoppi
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Her funeral service was held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Kingston Lake Business and Education Center.
- She was laid to rest at Singing Union Cemetery in Tabor City, NC.
