Francis Marion University Athletics

FMU: First-year player at FMU....Will be looked at to fill a void up top.....Has the strength to hold the ball and ward off defenders.....Has the ability to turn and strike the ball with authority....Her attacking runs are extremely creative – an aspect that will mesh well with our current players.....A dominant player in the air and will be a focal point on set pieces.....Part of a 10-member recruiting class for 2016....Should bring a high level of competitiveness to FMU training and games....Has been brought in to form a new foundation for our program....Has agreed to be a part of something she can’t yet see, but knows will happen in the future.....Will be a vital part of our future successes....Peach Belt Conference Presidential Honor Roll 2017, 2018....FMU Swamp Fox Athletic-Academic Honor Roll 2016 (fall), 2017 (spring, fall), 2018 (spring).

PERSONAL: Born Amanda Louise Eckard in Williamsport, Pa....Product of Corinth Holders High School in Wendell, N.C., where she played under the direction of head coach Alison Vetterl....2015 Two Rivers Conference Defensive Player of the Year...Helped Corinth Holders go unbeaten in conference play, post a 15-1-0 overall mark, and allow only eight goals while posting 11 shutouts.....Scored one goal and assisted on another.....Earned All-Conference and Academic All-Conference honors three times....All-Region and JUSA All-County pick in 2015.....Played club soccer for for CASL....Nickname is Mandy.

PERSONAL FAVORITES:  As a child what you wanted to be when you grew up: Doctor....Favorite Superhero when growing up: Superman....Favorite Athletes: Carli Lloyd and Lionel Messi....Favorite Sports Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers and FC Barcelona....Favorite Movies: The Notebook and She's the Man....Favorite TV Shows: Grey's Anatomy and Dance Moms....Favorite Foods: Chipotle and sushi....Favorite Sport Other than Your Own: Football....Favorite Website (outside social media): Pinterest....Favorite Social Media Site: Instagram....Twitter Handle: @AmandaEckard_ ....Instagram Account: @amandaaeckard ....Favorite Things About FMU: Soccer and the Griffin Athletic Complex....Favorite Off-Field Activity: Sleeping....Goals for Upcoming Season: Compete in conference this season and get better everyday....Hobbies: Soccer and shopping....Interesting Notes: I used to play on a boys' soccer team....Brush With Greatness: Heather O'Reilly trained with one of our teams at CASL.