Eastside High School girls’ tennis team captain and No. 1 singles player Amanda Blackwell signed with Piedmont College this week, a NCAA Division III school in Demorest.

Blackwell is coming off a successful senior season in which she was named team most valuable player and All-Region.
Coach Leah Carlisle said Blackwell’s dedication to the sport, which translated to her skill level, was what made her a special player, and will allow her to succeed at the college level, too.

“She is incredibly strong. She has a mean forehand and backhand stroke that are a challenge to return,” Carlisle said. “She will be missed.”

Blackwell played tennis for Eastside all four years but was also involved in several other activities.

“Amanda is extremely well-rounded. She received the Dean’s Academic Scholarship; she played in the band; she was the captain of our competition cheerleading team; she was on the homecoming court. Amanda is just a lovely girl to know,” Carlisle said.