Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer 
Aiken
OVER THE past few decades, many Jamaican athletes have left the island to take up scholarship offers in the United States and national netball representative Nicole Aiken is the latest to join that list.
Aiken left the island last week for Lamar University in Texas to take up a four-year full scholarship where she will be pursuing a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education.
"It will be a bit hard for me because I am going to be away from my family and friends, but it will be a great opportunity for me to further my studies so that whenever I finish my sporting career I will be able to get a good job," said the 6' 1" Aiken who has become an integral part of the national senior team since 2005 when she made her debut in a tri-Test home series against England, Australia and New Zealand.
Big challenge
"It is a big challenge for me because going over there I am not sure what to expect," said Aiken, the older sister of Romelda Aiken, who plays goal shooter for the national senior team.
Aiken admitted she is disappointed to be missing the Sunshine Girls' three-Test series against arch-rivals England next month which is the country's last preparation for the World Championships which will be held in New Zealand in November, but believes the team will do well.
"I know that we have the experience. We have a very talented set of players that are hard working and dedicated," she said. "The coaching staff has been doing an excellent job in preparing the team both physically and mentally, so I know that my absence from the team won't affect them much," added the 22-year-old, who also holds a diploma in Physical Education and Science from the G.C. Foster College.
Aiken represented the country at last year's Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia, where the team finished fourth behind winners New Zealand. She was also part of the Sunshine Girls team which suffered 2-0 series defeats to Australia and New Zealand in their most recent competitive matches Down Under.
