COVINGTON, Ga. - One of Eastside’s most versatile soccer players signed her National Letter of Intent to continue her soccer career at Georgia Southern University. 

Katie Oakley becomes the seventeenth Lady Eagle to play in college and only the second to sign at the Division I level of the NCAA. 

So, as a result, Oakley will continue being a Lady Eagle even at the college level. 

Oakley signed her NLI on Thursday, Veterans Day, surrounded by family, coaches and teammates. She has excelled as a forward and as a midfielder for the Lady Eagles, scoring a total of 34 goals for Eastside during her freshman, sophomore and junior years, and contributing to many others.

Oakley has also proven to be an outstanding defender and has even stepped in as a goalkeeper, the position she plays on her travel team, as needed. She was a big part of the record setting 3-year goals against average of 1.27 set by the 2019 thru 2021 Lady Eagle teams.

During her career thus far, the Lady Eagles have set program records by reaching the Elite Eight in 2019,, recording the most wins and best overall record in a season at 15-4-1 in 2019 and reaching as high as No. 5 in the state rankings in 2021. 

Head coach Joel Singleton delivered remarks during Thursday’s signing ceremony. 

"Katie is an awesome young lady,” Singleton said. “Great character and a joy to coach. She always works hard and leads by example. I'm excited for this opportunity at Southern. They're getting a great student and athlete. I look forward to seeing her shine during her senior season for the Eagles."

Led by first year coach Chris Adams, Georgia Southern reached the Sun Belt Conference Women's Soccer Championship Final for the first time in school history earlier this month.