Apalachin Athlete Helps USA Team Win Gold Medal in Australian Competition

 In July, Melanie Davis of Apalachin flew to Australia with USA Athletes Inc. to compete in the Northern University Games in Toowoomba, Queensland. Melanie was chosen to represent the United States Women's Volleyball Team as "Player and Ambassador." 

 The Northern University Games have been held each July since 1991, and attract close to 2,500 student competitors from fourteen Australian universities, as well as members of international teams which are invited to participate.  The Northern University Games are held over five days, and feature up to sixteen sports, and include 

 The USA Women Volleyball Team, which consisted of college players from California, Georgia, Iowa, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, competed against nine Australian teams. The USA team only lost one game going into the finals, and one out of four games in their final match -- and brought home the gold medal.  

 While in Australia, the team toured Cairns, Toowoomba, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. The team also went snorkeling and scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef and surfing in the beautiful waters of the Gold Coast. 

 Melanie says seeing beautiful Australia, making new friends, and bringing home the gold medal was a dream come true. She thanks all the organizations, friends, and family that helped sponsor her trip. Without their sponsorship, her once in a lifetime opportunity would never had been possible.