By: Sean Cartell – UK Media Relations
LEXINGTON, Ky. ? Following the 2004-05 season and Kentucky women?s basketball?s remarkable run through the Women?s National Invitation Tournament, then-freshman Eleia Roddy was a bit uncertain of her role on the UK Hoops squad.
After all, Roddy had to sit out each of the team?s last 18 games, including the entire Southeastern Conference slate, due to a torn meniscus that sidelined her for the remainder of the campaign.
That was before Roddy journeyed to the Athletes in Action training camp in Colorado last summer. The experience as part of the AIA training program allowed Roddy to gain increased confidence and help her achieve a breakout sophomore campaign.
?I really wasn?t able to contribute that much as a freshman and I didn?t know what my role was as an injured player because it was something I had never dealt with before.? Roddy said. ?After the season I had the opportunity to attend the Athletes in Action training camp. It helped me realize that we?re not just playing for ourselves. We are role models and we are playing for a higher power. I learned that my role was to be the best teammate I could be, injured or healthy. The camp really helped me to get back in the right mindset.?
Roddy is again participating in Athletes in Action as part of a traveling mission team to Spain. The team arrived in Spain on May 19 and will remain in the country until June 3, playing club teams from Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia.
For the 6-3 post player from Columbus, Ohio, the experience with Athletes in Action extends far beyond the basketball court.
?It?s fun to be a part of this organization because I get to meet other student-athletes going through the same things that I am,? Roddy said. ?I?ve made friends from different backgrounds and it?s really cool because we are all there for the same cause. It changed my whole outlook on being a student-athlete because I realize that playing sports is a great avenue to help me achieve my life goals.?
After training with Athletes in Action last season, Roddy excelled in 2005-06 helping the team to a 22-9 record, the Wildcats? best in 16 years and the squad?s first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since the 1998-99 campaign.
The sophomore proved to be an effective spark off the bench as Kentucky?s top reserve in 22 of 31 games. Roddy was second on the team and ninth in the SEC in rebounding, averaging 6.7 boards per game.
Roddy says she looks forward to getting back on the hardwood next season but also looks to gain more than just improved athletic skills during her trip to Spain. Athletes in Action is the sports ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. According to the organization, it exists to use the platform of sports to share the athletes? faith in Jesus Christ.
?These trips have created friendships that extend well beyond college,? Roddy said. ?I?ve met some friends that I have e-mailed and kept in touch with over my two years at UK. We are going to Spain to travel and play but also to raise money for our ministry.?
Roddy hopes to continue using basketball as a platform to express her beliefs. The psychology major knows the impact that the game has had on her life and looks to convey that to the next generation of young basketball players around the globe.
?Basketball is so beneficial because it teaches hard work and discipline,? Roddy said. ?Those traits carry over to other aspects of your life. Basketball has helped me become healthier both physically and mentally. I?ve become more outgoing and I?ve made a lot of great friends. My self-esteem is higher and I want to help young girls raise their self-esteem as well. Being a member of Athletes in Action helped open that door to gain more confidence and transition better to the collegiate game. I?ll be forever grateful.?
