Jamaica, N.Y.- St. Johns sophomore volleyball player Allison Heckl (Corrales, N.M.) is one of 10 students that have been selected to represent St. Johns at the Students International Peace and Development Conference to be held in Hanoi, Vietnam on January 8-19, 2003.

The conference is designed to bring American and Vietnamese students together to share an interest in peace and development. There will be workshops held that will encourage students to share experiences, exchange ideas and discuss concerns about peace and development as well as foster opportunities for students to create strategies for conflict resolution.

I am very excited to represent St. Johns, my family, and the volleyball team at this conference, states Heckl. I feel that I can make a difference and this will be a valuable learning experience as I prepare for my future. I am grateful to St. Johns for allowing me the opportunity to participate in this event.

A Spanish major and Art minor, Heckl shines in the classroom, carrying an impressive 3.9 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. In 2001, she was the recipient of the Kathy Murphy Meehan Award, given annually to the Red Storm Volleyball player who exhibits leadership, integrity, sportsmanship and dedication for whom the award is named after. She was named a BIG EAST Academic All-Star in 2001 and was inducted in to PHI ETA SIGMA national honor society.

Coach Persico-Smith has nothing but praise for Heckl, stating, Allison pursues excellence academically and athletically and is well-deserving of this honor. She exemplifies the true spirit of a St. Johns student-athlete and I couldnt be prouder to have her as part of the Red Storm volleyball program.

On the court, Heckl has played an important role off the bench. She was named to the 2002 North Carolina Nike Classic All-Tournament team, as well as playing a key role in the Red Storms first ever victory over BIG EAST rival Connecticut. Against UConn, Heckl entered the game and recorded four kills on eight attempts and a key service ace to ignite the Red Storm to a 3-2 victory.