In my final year an enthusiastic PE teacher introduced me to volleyball and went to the National Schools Cup. I started an engineering degree and over the next three years was selected in underage and senior VIC State teams. At the start of 1997 I was invited to the AIS on scholarship with the Australian women's volleyball team.
I moved into the Res'ies and began what now involves 25-30 hours a week of intensive training as our team prepares for its first ever Olympic berth in Sydney 2000.
I was honored to be appointed captain of the Australian side last November.
The one thing I treasure most above any accomplishment is my relationship with God. Competing at international level has given me a new appreciation of how wide and populated the world is. It continues to amaze me that the creator of this world wants to know and establish a relationship with each one of us regardless of our culture, language or background.
Having a relationship with God, I have someone to rely on in all situations. Any why not! The Bible tells us that everything is under God's control - even sparrows (Matt 10: 29). He has paved the way in terms of my volleyball career. State programs established at the right time, the national program moving from Perth to Canberra, continuing my engineering degree, I feel as though the Lord has been beside me all the way.
I gain a lot of support from meeting and praying each week with other Christian athletes and the AIS chaplains in Canberra. It reminds me not to take my relationship with God for granted and get too immersed in the demands of volleyball. My relationship with God sets me up for life!
Priscilla Ruddle
