MICHAEL KIRAL / L’Observateur / April 18, 2000

RESERVE – Amber Schlesinger began playing four short years ago. Now, theReserve Christian sophomore is getting a chance to see the world.

Schlesinger has been selected to participate in the Australia Surfin & Slammin’ Volleyball Invitational as a member of the United States People to People Sports Ambassadors program to Australia.

“I’m pretty excited about going,” Schlesinger said.

People to People was started by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956.

Eisenhower believed that if people from different cultures could come together in peace and friendship, so eventually would countries. Theorganization has grown dramatically since its inception and thousands of students from the United States have had a chance to go overseas because of it.

People to People find out about outstanding student-athletes through local papers and send them letters. Schlesinger was contacted and expressedinterest in going to Australia.

Schlesinger leaves July 17 and will spend a week in New Zealand, attending a volleyball clinic. She then leaves for Sydney where she willparticipate in the volleyball invitational. She will also have theopportunity to tour the area and interact with other cultures.

Schlesinger is one of 12 girls from around the country making the trip and one of three from Louisiana. Tuition for the program is $4,420 whichSchlesinger is raising through a variety of fund raisers and sponsorships.

Schlesinger plays volleyball and basketball and is a cheerleader at Reserve Christian. This past season, her first on the varsity squad,Schlesinger helped the Lady Eagles advance to the state volleyball tournament for the second straight season where they won their first playoff game. She led the team with 128 kills and 36 blocks and wassecond with 34 aces.

Schlesinger said getting to make the trip to Australia will help her both academically and on the volleyball court.

“I’m going to learn a lot,” Schlesinger said. “I’m going to learn differentthings. I think I will be able to help the team when I get back.”

Return To Sports Stories

Copyright © #Thisyear# Wick Communications, Inc.Best viewed with 4.0 or higher