Survivors

     In the beginning there were ten of them.  Then as the weeks went on and the harshness of the island around them grew more and more daunting, the numbers slowly dwindled.  The question now is who will be the survivor?  The terrain is tough.  It will take a person with strong personal dedication, perseverance and the toughness to never give up no matter what the world throws at them.  That is what will make one lucky person a survivor.
      Although this is just a game show, there is another group of people who know what it means to be survivors.  The Lady T's know all about dedication, perseverance, and toughness.  The Lady T's not only survive...they thrive. 
       A key to their success is the strong members that make up the Lady T's.  Through the addition of new players, like Heidi Van Laecken and Diana Marsteller, they keep building in strength. 
         Heidi Van Laecken comes to Dakota State from Parkston, SD. Her parents are Rob and Joanne Van Laecken.  As a guard for Parkston High School, Heidi averaged 6.6 points per game, 2.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.4 steals.  She was also nominated LMVC All-Conference and was captain of the basketball team.  In volleyball, Heidi was a member of the 1999 S.D. State Championship team.  Track was also a strong sport for Heidi.  She was a member of the Medley Relay Champions at the Howard Wood Relays and the Class "A" State Track Meet, and she was a part of the 4 X 200 team that finished in 3rd place. 
            The all around athleticism of Heidi garnered her the Army Scholar Athlete Award, the National Women in Sports Day Award and the Senior Athlete Award.  She also received nominations for the Elite 15 and the Wendy Heisman Award.  At Dakota State, Heidi plans on majoring in Fitness Wellness Management. 
           The second addition to the Lady T's is Diana Marsteller.  As a high school athlete, this 6'0 center averaged 9.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.9 steals per game. She received All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-State Awards.  Diana and her Alliance High School teammates finished the year as the Nebraska State Class "B" Runner-Up.  After the State Tournament, Diana was voted a member of the All-Tournament Team. 
          Diana is the daughter of Scott Marsteller and Betsy Marsteller.  She comes to Dakota State from Alliance, NE.  At DSU, Diana plans on entering into the Elementary Education program. 
          So, the next time you are wondering what it takes to be a survivor, ask a Lady T.  She will not only tell you, she will show you. 

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