
Blake Alford with some of her students at Heard County Elementary School
Article written by Trevor Wenners, Assistant Director of Sports Information at Lagrange College
(Franklin, GA) — LaGrange College offered Blake Alford the best of both worlds.
The institution gave autonomy and a new chapter, while keeping her close to home in Franklin, Georgia. Alford played three years of competitive tennis at LC, built authentic relationships and pursued a variety of interests.
“I started out as a religion major and Dr. David Ahearn encouraged me to take Introduction to Education during an advisement session when we talked about my future,” said Alford.
“Without that conversation, I may not be where I am now. Playing a collegiate sport helped keep me busy, gave me a different set of friends and made me feel an even bigger part of the LC community.”
LaGrange College has a reputation of unlocking endless possibilities and empowering students to become the best version of themselves. Alford walked onto campus with more questions than answers, but quickly began to forge a path for future success.
Alford has earned three degrees from LC. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education in 2014, received a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction in 2017 and earned an educational specialist degree in curriculum and instruction in 2019.
She has been employed by Heard County Elementary School for seven years, working six as a first-grade teacher and one as a pre-kindergarten instructor.
Alford served on the superintendent’s committee for three years and spent three years coaching the Heard County High School men’s and women’s tennis teams.
A 2010 graduate of Heard County High School, she finished with a combined 13 singles wins and 11 doubles victories during her junior and senior seasons at LC. LaGrange qualified for the USA South tournament in 2013 and 2014.
The Panthers went 16-15 overall and 12-11 in the conference during those two seasons.
Alford took some time to speak about her LC experiences and the challenges in her profession during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Q: Who was a source of inspiration for you at LC?
A: Dr. Don Livingston has been my mentor for many years. During my time completing three education degrees at LC, I got to know him well. The way he knows his material, makes class fun and engaging and how he develops mutual respect for his students are all things that I hope to emulate in my own career as an educator.

Blake Alford (Photo: Lagrange College Sports)
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