University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
Church To Represent Team USA At FISU America Games
July 10, 2018 | Women's Basketball
For most collegiate basketball players the summer months are normally filled on campus with classes, team functions and workouts. North Carolina's rising sophomore Leah Church will have a different experience this July when she represents the United States at the FISU America Games in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The Federation of International Students of Universities (FISU) games is a collegiate level, 13-sport tournament that will feature up to 25 nations competing from July 20-29. Athletes in Action is commissioned to field the men's and women's basketball teams representing the United States.
"We're going to be playing against many international teams so seeing that different flair that they'll bring to the games will be exciting," said Church.
Head coach Jane Albright, a winner of more than 500 games at the college level and a local native of nearby Graham, North Carolina, approached Church about playing for the team because of her sharp-shooting capabilities.
Look up her world-record breaking videos on YouTube and you'll see why Albright made the call.
Best known as a distance shooter, UNC head coach Sylvia Hatchell encouraged Church to attend a point guard camp earlier this summer to become a better leader and more well-rounded player in the backcourt.
"They focused on leadership and how to communicate and bring energy out of your team," explained Church. "Giving you 'tricks of the trade' as a point guard and how to read defenses in a variety of different situations."
Playing for the red, white and blue
The prestige of playing for her country is not lost on the Purlear, North Carolina, product that averaged 3.5 points in 28 games as a freshman last season for the Tar Heels.
"Representing the United States is special," added Church. 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 daughter of a full-time evangelist, faith has always played a key role in Church's life so the connection with Athletes in Action being a Christian organization and playing basketball was only natural.
"While we're going down there to win games, during training camp we'll be doing some discipleship so its all encompassing about who I am."
The opening ceremony takes place July 20 and the basketball portion of the games runs July 24-28.
The 2018 Games will be the inaugural FISU America Games held in São Paulo, Brazil, July 20-29, 2018. All sports except soccer and futsal will be played at the newly-constructed Brazilian Paralympic Center. Find more information on the competition venues at the FISU America Games here. The Games will have USA Team representation in up to 10 able-body sports and three paralympic sports with 1,200 competing athletes and 20-25 participating countries.
The Federation of International Students of Universities (FISU) games is a collegiate level, 13-sport tournament that will feature up to 25 nations competing from July 20-29. Athletes in Action is commissioned to field the men's and women's basketball teams representing the United States.
"We're going to be playing against many international teams so seeing that different flair that they'll bring to the games will be exciting," said Church.
Head coach Jane Albright, a winner of more than 500 games at the college level and a local native of nearby Graham, North Carolina, approached Church about playing for the team because of her sharp-shooting capabilities.
Look up her world-record breaking videos on YouTube and you'll see why Albright made the call.
Best known as a distance shooter, UNC head coach Sylvia Hatchell encouraged Church to attend a point guard camp earlier this summer to become a better leader and more well-rounded player in the backcourt.
"They focused on leadership and how to communicate and bring energy out of your team," explained Church. "Giving you 'tricks of the trade' as a point guard and how to read defenses in a variety of different situations."
Playing for the red, white and blue
The prestige of playing for her country is not lost on the Purlear, North Carolina, product that averaged 3.5 points in 28 games as a freshman last season for the Tar Heels.
"Representing the United States is special," added Church. 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 daughter of a full-time evangelist, faith has always played a key role in Church's life so the connection with Athletes in Action being a Christian organization and playing basketball was only natural.
"While we're going down there to win games, during training camp we'll be doing some discipleship so its all encompassing about who I am."
The opening ceremony takes place July 20 and the basketball portion of the games runs July 24-28.
The 2018 Games will be the inaugural FISU America Games held in São Paulo, Brazil, July 20-29, 2018. All sports except soccer and futsal will be played at the newly-constructed Brazilian Paralympic Center. Find more information on the competition venues at the FISU America Games here. The Games will have USA Team representation in up to 10 able-body sports and three paralympic sports with 1,200 competing athletes and 20-25 participating countries.
Players Mentioned
G
/ Women's BasketballWBB: Post-Elon Press Conference - Nov. 6, 2025
Friday, November 07
Hubert Davis Pre-Kansas Press Conference
Thursday, November 06
UNC Field Hockey: Tar Heels Drop Duke, 5-2, for Spot in ACC Final
Thursday, November 06
UNC Men's Soccer: Tar Heels Down Irish, 3-1, to Advance in ACCT
Thursday, November 06