(Editor's note: Duke senior Georgia Schweitzer, the 1999-2000 ACC Player of the Year, will share a weekly diary with ESPN.com throughout the season.)

Dec. 14, 2000

	Schweitzer

For my Myth in Ancient Literature class, I wrote a paper that paralleled heroes in ancient literature to heroes in our present day myths. I compared several mythical heroes -- Achilles, Perseus, Jason and others -- to characters in modern film, like Neo in "The Matrix."

The qualities of these heroes were very similar and I began to realize that these were the same qualities that helped me identify my heroes. I have had many heroes throughout life, both in basketball and people whose lives I have admired. My heroes have changed as I have changed and matured.

Almost always, my heroes have been people that I personally know -- people who I interact with on a frequent basis that truly inspire me. My teammates have often been my heroes.

In high school, I had Mindy. She was willing to do anything to win or just to play. She played with three broken fingers, never complained, and I knew that things were going to be OK as long as she was on the court. I sprained my ankle once at a national tournament, and stayed in the hotel to ice while the team went out to eat. Mindy stole a place setting, the salt and pepper shakers, came back to my room and set everything up just so I would not feel left out of the crowd. She is my hero.

The friendship with my college teammates has also grown strong. I have two new heroes, two more people who inspire me, two people whose dedication and heart sustain and strengthen my belief in the greatness of human beings. My two fellow seniors, Rochelle Parent and Missy West are truly my heroes. They have those same amazing qualities as the heroes in ancient myth --courageous, determined, passionate, and most of all, giving of themselves.

When I was a sophomore, it was Missy's first year back after redshirting and she did not get to play much. EVERY TIME I went to the locker room though, Missy was riding the bike and always working out to stay in shape for the time when we would need her. She never complained, she was always there with encouragement and she never gave up. She embodies the spirit of self-sacrifice and courage. She is my hero.

Then there is Ro. This woman amazes me. She restores my faith in people to act not for personal gain but for the greater good. She does not score a ton of points; she just wears down people with her toughness. She does not get the glory she deserves, yet she never objects. Her satisfaction lies in knowing she did all she could do and has nothing left to give when the game is over.

Ro and Missy are my heroes. I believe I have chosen two greatest examples!

Georgia