DURANGO – June 16, 2016 – Fort Lewis College head softball coach Elle Fracker and five student-athletes will be representing the United States of America July 16-28 at the Australian International Softball Challenge. Fracker was selected to serve as head coach of the team and will coach Skyhawks Missy Fundora, Nikki Klepfer, Victoria Johnson, Mandy Owens and Lauren Caldwell.  USA Athletes International (USAAI) is the supporting organization for student-athletes and coaches to compete in the international challenge.
 
"This is the chance of a lifetime to not only play ball in Australia, but to do it with teammates and friends," said Fracker. "I am excited to have the opportunity to coach three of our graduated seniors one more time and of course have this experience with two of our returners. Australia has a rich history in our sport and is a beautiful country that we will get to visit!"
 
Student-athletes from NCAA Division I, II and III, as well as NAIA, were selected to compete in the Australian International Softball Challenge.  Student-athletes were nominated by a college coach and then selected via an invitation.  The Skyhawks are the lone representatives from the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC).
 
The Australian International Softball Challenge includes tours of Sydney, the Sydney Opera House and the Gold Coast, competing in the Downunder Challenge – Aussie Ironman, Dolphin Kayak Paddle, surfing lessons and touring.

This marks Fracker's third year coaching for USAAI.  Maryville State University's Ashley VandenVeen will is also a part of the coaching staff with Fracker.
 
Coaches and players are financially responsible to compete in the challenge.  Go Fund Me accounts have been set up for Fundora, Klepfer and Johnson.
 
Fundora, Klepfer and Johnson recently completed their eligibility and graduated from Fort Lewis College this past spring.  Returners Owens and Caldwell will have a daily blog everyday posted on www.goskyhawks.com.