When Liz Andreichuk first received the recruiting letter from Army volleyball in high school, she threw it away.

The first thought that went through her mind was "No way was I going to a military academy."

But when her father found out West Point was interested in his daughter, he quickly set her straight.

Brian Andreichuk, a former U.S. Army sergeant during the Vietnam War, saw the opportunity presented to Liz.

"(Going here) was a huge opportunity to learn more than just academics," he said. "It is all about leadership and learning how to deal with people. I knew that coming here would triple any education (she could get) at any other school."

The former combat missile system technician had come across his share of West Pointers during his three years in the Army. They stood out from the crowd in his book.

Liz’s older brother, Alex, was another military influence.

The 1996 Notre Dame ROTC graduate served as a U.S. Army active-duty engineer officer.

"I’m really proud of her, not only because she is following on a family tradition that my dad actually started. She went through a lot tougher stuff than I ever went through during my four years of college. ROTC is nothing compared to the West Point experience."

The military wasn’t the plan, though, according to Liz.

Janet Andreichuk, Liz’s mother, wasn’t so sure West Point was right for her, either.

"It is scary sending someone here," Janet said. "It is such a physical place and as a mother you always worry about your daughter."

Over time, though, even with the ups and downs of plebe year, all the studying and other hardships that accompany life as a cadet at West Point, Janet came around.

"It has been an absolutely wonderful experience for her," Janet said.

What was it that changed Liz’s mind?

After her first visit as a volleyball recruit, she knew this was where she wanted to go.

"I felt the tradition," she said. "(I came to understand) how special it was to go here and I wanted to do something a little different."

What she did different was help resurrect a lagging Army volleyball program.

Liz won’t take any credit for that herself, though. She credits the common goals that each of her classmates -- Melissa Barrett, Emily Eagan and Michelle Frymier -- set.

"Our class had a ‘senior thing’ with all of us playing four years. I would say it was being committed and working very hard. We really got the team going."

Andreichuk and company helped turn in 17-11 and 19-11 records in 1999 and 2000, respectively. Each year they earned Patriot League playoff bids.

Second-year Army coach Glen Conley said Andreichuk’s impact on the team was huge.

"She has provided leadership and filled a vital role as the number-one middle hitter during the last two years. Liz has shown dedication to the sport and personal courage. She has shown the team what sacrifice and dedication are all about."

Despite a wrist injury that requires upcoming surgery that will put her newly-earned Army career on hold for six months, Liz remains dedicated.

"After I recover, I should be able to do push-ups for the first time in two years," said the five-foot, 10-inch academy record holder for career blocks.

Older brother Alex, who razzes his little sister to this day, can only give praise.

"She was the athlete I never was," Alex said. "We are all real proud of her."