BLYTHEWOOD – Blythewood High School recognized four members of the Class of 2026 that have announced their intention to continue their athletic careers on the collegiate level. The school held a ceremony to celebrate this accomplishment with family members and teammates.
Johnny Collins, son of Shawn and Cindy Collins, has accepted an offer to play baseball at the College of Charleston. Collins is a pitcher for head coach Travis Poole at Blythewood. Helping lead the Bengals to a region championship in 2025, Collins earned All-Region Honors and was named the Region Pitcher of the Year. He also earned All-State honors in 2025.
Amare Counts, son of Dwayne and Nicole Counts, has signed to play baseball at Florence-Darlington Technical College in Florence, South Carolina. Counts is an outfielder for head coach Travis Poole at Blythewood. Counts earned All-Area, All-Region, and All-State honors in 2025 while helping lead the Bengals to a region championship. Counts also earned All-Region honors in 2024.
Caroline Hawkins, daughter of Aaron and Michelle Hawkins, signed a scholarship to continue her golfing career at Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina. Hawkins golfed for Jason Minkel at Blythewood High School. She recently captured her fourth-straight South Carolina High School League Individual State Championship, becoming the first golfer in state history to win a state championship in four consecutive years. Hawkins also won the 2025 PKB Masters tournament.
Lily Zell, daughter of Christopher and Katy Zell, signed a scholarship offer to play softball at Converse University in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Zell is a pitcher for head coach Jordan Atkinson at Blythewood. Zell earned All-Region honors in 2025 while helping lead the Bengals to the playoffs. She also earned the team’s Gold Glove award in 2024.
