What you need to know:

* Mandy Blackwell is a catcher from Loganville, Ga.

* The sophomore has come on strong after missing the first 15 games due to illness.

* Georgia State faces Appalachian State in a Sun Belt series this weekend. First game is Saturday, April 11 at 1 p.m.

ATLANTA - Mandy Blackwell is a catcher from Loganville, Ga. This season, the sophomore has averaged .286 with 4 home runs and 12 RBIs after missing the first 15 games because of illness. She is good friends with current teammate and fellow Brookwood alum Megan Litumbe, and loves playing close to home.

Why did you choose Georgia State?

Mandy Blackwell: I just really wanted the opportunity to play at the highest level. I really liked the atmosphere and the coaches, and I knew some of the older girls. Also Megan Litumbe. We went to high school together and she influenced me a little bit because she committed here before me.

What stood out most about it?

MB: The girls that I knew I would be playing with. I feel like I was one of the last ones to commit. I played with Kensey when I was ten and under, then we got on different teams and played against each other. I went to high school with Megan and then played against the rest of them.

What's it like playing with your teammate from high school Megan Litumbe?

MB: It is always fun to play with Megan. We roomed together this year, which we were hesitant about. It has worked out pretty well and it has been a lot of fun.

What's it like playing with Kristen Hawkins, a former region foe from Archer High School?

MB: (laughs) Well, we always beat [Archer] in region. We beat them twice to win the region championship, but in the end, she gets the last laugh because she has a state championship and we don't. It is fun because we know similar people and have people in common. We talk smack about it sometimes, but in the end she always gets the last laugh because she has a state ring and we don't. (laughs) We just have a region championship t-shirts.

What's it like playing close to home?

MB: Oh it is really nice because my parents come to every game. My mom teaches elementary school. She gets off work and comes to the games. My sister even comes sometimes. She goes to UGA but it is not that far of a drive for her.

What was it like missing the first 15 games due to illness?

MB: It was really frustrating because it was one of those things where I wasn't physically injured. I felt fine and thought I should be able to play. Nothing was really wrong, but I just felt under the weather. It took a long time, about six weeks, before they cleared me.

What did you do to work back into the lineup?

MB: Six weeks of tees! I focused on small things that I could do to improve so that when I did get the chance to get back I would not be so far behind.

How have you changed between your freshman and sophomore year?

MB: You learn little things like what to do and what not to do. You feel more comfortable. During your freshman year, you get really nervous through your first couple games. Now when we go to Georgia or play Georgia Tech, you have already been there and done that, so you are more comfortable.

When did you start playing softball? What got you in to it?

MB: I started at a young age. I remember that my parents had to sign a consent form because I was only four years old. My sister played and she is 18 months older than me. She started playing a year before I did, and I saw my sister doing it so I wanted to do it too. I did not want to be left out, so the next year I told my parents “I really want to play! I really want to play!” I was so tiny and only four years old that my parents had to sign a consent form saying it was okay for me to play.

Where do you feel you have improved the most this year?

MB: I feel like I have a better eye at the plate. I have walked more this year.

What aspect of your game do you feel you need to work on the most?

MB: Being more selective at the plate. I feel like when I get myself out it is because I swing at bad pitches.

What do you want to do after college?

MB: I actually just got accepted into the college of education, so I will enter that next year. I want to do early childhood and teach the little ones.

What is your favorite memory playing at Georgia State so far?

MB: Hitting the game-winning home run last year at Georgia, because I grew up going to the Georgia softball games. Playing there was really cool and a lot of my family was there too.

Your ideal place to shop would be what and why?

MB: The mall. I am really indecisive so then I have a whole bunch of options.

Do you have any game day routines/rituals?

MB: I always wear a bow and I always get someone to braid my hair. Also before I enter the batter's box, I always take the bat and pop my back. If I don't get a hit, then I will do that and something else my next time up. I will always try to change it up, and if it works I will keep doing it. If not, then I will change it again.