Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Article courtesy of Joshua R. Russo, Rapid City Journal

RAPID CITY, S.D. -The past eight years have been a series of changes for Fernanda Nelson.

The former National American University volleyball player and assistant coach - formerly known as Fernanda Vivancos - has great news. She will be inducted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame and be honored on Dec. 2 through Dec. 6. She will be honored for her efforts as a player from 2000 to 2003.

"I think she is more than deserving,"; said her college coach Todd Lowery, who submitted the information to the NAIA to nominate her. "She is one of the best setters I've seen at any level. She helped start the winning tradition there.;She eats, sleeps and drinks volleyball. Congratulations, and it couldn';t go to a more deserving player.";

Nelson was surprised when she heard the news last year.

"When I came to the U.S., I didn't realize ... I never felt that since I was an international kid that I wouldn't get the honor,"; Nelson said. "I feel so blessed that they gave me the chance to have such a great career.";

With a national title in 2002, NAU's winning tradition coincides with Nelson's arrival in the U.S.

Nelson came to NAU from Sao Paulo, Brazil, after being contacted in the spring of 2000 by NAU. Nelson had 13 years of playing experience in her native country and in 1997, she was named the top setter in Brazil.

The move to the U.S. was an opportunity of a lifetime.