Sept. 18, 2003

Duquesne University's women's basketball player Shiri Sharon (Jordan Valley, Israel/Ostrovsky) has the privilege of doing something many student-athletes only dream of ... competing for a shot at the 2004 Olympics. She will begin her quest on Friday, September 19 as Israel takes on France in the preliminary round of the 29th European Basketball Championship for Women in Pyrgos, Greece.

Sharon is one of 12 Israel women to make the final National team roster, which started at 20 individuals. The 5-9 Duquesne senior guard is expecting to see time at point guard, but has competition from two other teammates. They will compete in five games in the preliminary rounds facing the Czech Republic Sept. 20; Greece Sept. 21; Poland Sept. 23 and Montenegro on Sept. 24.

Quarterfinal, semi and final round games will be held Sept. 26, 27 and 28 in Patras, Greece. The three-best teams as well a host Greece will qualify for the 2004 Olympics to be held in Athens, Greece.

While away from Duquesne, Sharon has been working on her current class work in addition to her training to keep up with her studies here at the University.

This year marks just the third time Israel has competed in the European Championship. Their first appearance was in 1950 and the last was in 1991.

You can follow the championship on the web by visiting www.fiba.com.