It was announced earlier this week that rising sophomore Leah Church–a guard on the UNC women’s basketball team under head coach Sylvia Hatchell–will spend her summer representing Team USA at the Federation of International Students of Universities (FISU) America Games in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

The FISU America Games is a 13-sport tournament featuring collegiate athletes from up to 25 nations, all competing from July 20-29.

Although Church has been working on her skills as a point guard at Hatchell’s request, she was primarily selected to Team USA thanks to her outstanding ability to knock down long-distance jumpshots.

A native of Purlear, North Carolina, Church averaged 3.5 points per game for UNC last season in 28 appearances, while making 28 of her 69 attempts from three-point range.

This opportunity to play for Team USA should provide her with valuable experience to take back to Chapel Hill for the 2018-19 college season.

“Representing the United States is special,” Church said. There’s only 12 players on the team and to have the opportunity to go down to Brazil and win a gold medal is a privilege.”

The Opening Ceremony for the FISU America Games takes place on July 20, while the basketball portion of the event runs from July 24-28.

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

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