Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State Nominates Four Student-Athletes for NCAA Leadership Conference
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March 28, 2001
FRESNO, Calif. - Four Fresno State student-athletes have been nominated for the 2001 NCAA Foundation Leadership Conference, "Today's Student-Athletes, Tomorrow's Leaders," to be held May 28-June 1 at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The four nominees are Danielle Golden (equestrian), Jessica Peisch (women's soccer), Travis DeManby (men's basketball) and Roberto Vaca (men's track and field).
The conference is an extension of the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program and brings 300 student-athletes together from member schools. Its mission is to develop "change agents" who will participate in bettering their campuses and communities.
Fresno State's four nominees embody the spirit of giving and hard work as each have a strong background in overcoming obstacles and have still persevered athletically. They are required to submit intent to participate in an on campus or community event and how they will initiate the project.
Golden, a sophomore, is from Los Angeles, and has battled severe asthma her entire life. Her honors include Kiwanis Award Athlete and Fall 1999 Dean's List. If selected, Golden plans to organize the African-American People in History Month Children's Day Event, a project designed to involve and inform fifth and sixth grade students about African-American heritage and its societal contributions.
Jessica Peisch, a junior, has overcome an auditory processing disorder and dyslexia. In her three participating years she has made significant contributions to the women's soccer team as a midfielder while also achieving substantial recognition off the field. Peisch earned WAC All-Academic in 2000 and '01, made the Dean's List two semesters and President's List one semester.
Sophomore Roberto Vaca has participated in two sports at Fresno State, cross country and track and field. Vaca's family immigrated to the United States in 1990 where Vaca adapted to a new culture and language. Not only does Vaca compete in two sports and take classes, he also works 10-15 hours a week to help support himself and his family. Vaca strives to balance his academic and athletics performances. He made the Spring 2000 Dean's List and also earned Academic All-Conference.
Sophomore Travis DeManby is a key member of the men's basketball team and is a Fresno State Scholar-Athlete. DeManby's project will further the Coats for Kids organization by setting up bins at Fresno State basketball games and distributing the donated coats to shelters. Last year Sarah Woodward (equestrian) and Simon Tafoya (baseball) were selected to attend the conference and football player Payton Williams was selected in 1999. The NCAA will send notification on this year's selections April 16.