July 4, 2008

ISRAEL - Marshall University volleyball sophomores Elizabeth Fleming and Kelley Bugler are playing summer volleyball in Israel as part of the Athletes in Action program.

Fleming, Marshall's single-season assists leader, and Bugler, who had 24 total blocks (1 solo, 23 assisted) last season, both played pivotal roles for the Thundering Herd in their debut season in 2007.

Athletes in Action was founded in 1966 by David Hannah, who desired to build on society's great love of sports and utilize the platform given to the athletes to reach the world for Jesus Christ. Since then Athletes in Action has sought to be a global pioneer, innovator, and servant leader in sport ministry. As a branch of Campus Crusade for Christ, AIA exists to bring Jesus Christ and His message of victory into the hearts, homes, and communities of millions around the world.

As of 2006, AIA has a ministry presence in 85 countries, on nearly 100 US college campuses, and on 35 US professional sports teams. Every summer AIA sends teams of college athletes in multiple sports to compete overseas, grow their individual faith, and spread the message of Jesus Christ. AIA's media tools and materials expose millions of sports fans to the good news each year. Countless volunteers, thousands of athletes, and more than 500 staff members, stand together to share one message: Life's greatest victory is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

For blog reports on the team's experiences playing and serving overseas, visit

AIA.com - Team Blogs