OTTERBEIN PROFESSOR HEADS TO OLYMPICS

Some professors will use their summer break to further their professional education. Others will take well-deserved time off for rest and relaxation. But only Otterbein College Professor Denise Shively of Westerville will travel to China with the United States Synchronized Swimming Team as team manager. The 2008 Summer Olympics will take place in Beijing from Aug. 8-24.

Shively coaches a Columbus-based synchronized swimming team and was invited to manage the Junior National Team and National Team II in 2003. As the junior team progressed, Shively moved with them, now supporting the young women as the U.S. Olympic Team.

As manager, she oversees administrative and logistical duties, including scheduling flights, arranging practice times and representing the team at meetings. Shively utilizes her skills as a public relations professor to benefit the team.

China will not be Shively's first trip with the team. Previously, she has traveled to competitions in Russia, Australia, Japan, Brazil and Canada.