March 11, 2005

Siena women's tennis player Denisa Hluchova is the focus of this month's Fox Sports Network special "On Campus". The national show will air twice next week, beginning with its debut Monday, March 14 at 3 p.m.

Hluchova received local attention this past fall when an article in the Albany Times Union profiled her unique story. A native of Piestany, Slovakia, Hluchova left her family and moved to the United States to pursue tennis and gain an American education at the age of 16. She moved in with her aunt in New York City in 2000 and attended Saint Francis Preparatory School in nearby Fresh Meadows, N.Y.

Hluchova's life took an unexpected turn following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. So moved by the scope of the disaster, Hluchova found her way to a New York City fire department where she expressed interest in training to become a volunteer firefighter. Hluchova quickly answered any skeptics by demonstrating her sincerity and physical ability. She spent a year on the job in New York before making her decision to attend Siena College.

One of Hluchova's first goals when arriving in Loudonville was to seek out the local firehouse and volunteer her services. She was welcomed into Shaker Road Fire Department, where she befriended the chief, ultimately moving in with his family.

At Siena, Hluchova has lived a life very different than that of the average college student. In addition to being the top singles player on the women's team (she posted a perfect 6-0 record at #1 singles this fall), she has continued her service to the fire department by spending well over 25 hours per week volunteering--regularly sleeping at the station. In addition, Hluchova serves on the volunteer Ski Patrol at Hunter Mountain on the weekends. Her daily routing includes upwards of four hours of rigorous workouts (she is currently utilizing the Navy Seals training program) in addition to team commitments to keep in the best condition possible for her active, giving lifestyle.

In addition, Hluchova has progressed well academically, and is well on pace to earn her degree, even though she just learned the language when moving to the States.

On Campus is a national monthly show that profiles college athletes across the country. This month's edition will air twice next week on Fox Sports Network across the country, and can be seen in New York State on FSN New York. The first telecast will be Monday, March 14 at 3 p.m. and the second will take place Thursday, March 18 at 4 p.m. Currently FSN (Channel 26) is being blacked out on Time Warner Cable in the Albany area.