Feature Photo by Piedmont University/Karl Moore

Andelin Hill graduated from Union County in 2020. The standout basketball player went just a few miles away to Young Harris. Fast forward through 3 full seasons, and she had played a grand total of 269 minutes, starting just two times. All she needed was a chance.

“When I decided to go into the portal, Coach [Jamie] Purdy was talking to me shortly after,” says Hill. “After being on the phone with her and exchanging questions, I knew that I would be a great fit for her program. The way she has confidence and trusted in her girls was something I knew I needed in a coach. She has always had a winning program especially for the past few years. I knew I wanted to play under her and win a ring.”

Purdy, who has a great mind for the game and a real eye for talent, has been rewarded with that opportunity given to Hill. Through 6 games, all starts, Hill has helped Piedmont to a 5-1 start to the season. She leads the team in points (12.7) and rebounds (12.7), scoring at least a dozen points in each of the last 5 games with 5 double-digit rebound outings. That tally includes 4 double-doubles, and she was awarded MVP last weekend at the Roanoke Classic Tournament when Piedmont started out 4-0.

“I credit my hard work and effort for the success I’ve had this far,” states Hill. “I’ve spent a ton of hours in the gym over the summer and with my trainer, Michael Ross. Even when I wasn’t getting the playing time I wanted at Young Harris, I still continued to work on my own.”

Her freshman season at Young Harris came with 12 games played, scoring 1.5 points per game (18 total pts) and averaged 2 rebounds per contest. She upped those totals in 16 games the following season, earning 2 starts. Still, she went for 1.9 points (30) and 1.7 boards. Even the next year, Hill played in 7 games, averaging 2.3 points (16) and 2 rebounds per game. While she still fine-tuned her craft, she learned a little about herself as well.

“After three years of going from starting to not playing at Young Harris, I learned to be patient and trust the process,” recalls Hill. “After conversations with God, my family, and myself I knew it was best for me to transfer.”

While this is her fourth season of college ball, she still has eligibility beyond this season and already has a plan in place.

“I plan on finishing up this year and taking my COVID year next year to play,” exclaims Hill. “My goals for this year and next is to win our Conference (Collegiate Conference of the South) and win a ring!”

Hill, an Elementary Education major, will pursue her master’s degree next year while playing her final year of basketball, and ultimately will join the teaching field. Hill was a 4-year varsity player at Union County, and earned 8-AA All-Region honors her senior season for the Lady Panthers after averaging 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.