FORT MYERS, Fla.- Florida SouthWestern State sophomore Amanda Mendes is heading to the NCAA Division I level, signing with the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff in a signing ceremony in Suncoast Credit Union Arena on Tuesday. 

Mendes was a 2^nd Team All-Conference performer during her freshman season with the Bucs, averaging 2.43 kills and 0.72 blocks per set for the Purple and Aqua.  She had 10 matches with 10 or more kills including career highs of 16 against Miami Dade and Hillsborough, both 2019 National Quarterfinalists.  She put together back to back double-doubles late in the season for the Bucs, going for 12 kills and a career high 17 digs in a win against Palm Beach, before backing that up with 10 kills and 10 digs in a win over #9 St. Petersburg. 

Also a standout in the classroom, Mendes was a member of the NJCAA All-Academic 3^rd Team last season as well as being named to the Suncoast Conference and FCSAA All-Academic Teams. 

She will join a UAPB team on the rise in the SWAC as the Golden Lions have posted a 6-3 overall and 5-3 conference record this season under first  year Head Coach Chelsey Lucas. 

Mendes and the Bucs are currently ranked 7^th in the country after wrapping up their 2021 regular season at 16-4 and going a perfect 8-0 to win the program's first Suncoast Conference Championship. 

FSW will be back in action on March 25^th when they travel to Jacksonville to take part in the FCSAA State Tournament. 

Stay tuned to FSWBucs.com the rest of the week as we highlight all five FSW Volleyball players who signed their National Letters of Intent on Tuesday.