06/02/2009 - Kate Burkholder, Duke Sports Information

DURHAM, N.C. – Lauren Miller from Duke field hockey and Josh Bienenfeld from men’s soccer, both rising seniors, will represent the University when they compete in their respective sports at the 18th Maccabiah Games July 12-23 in Israel.

Often referred to as the “Jewish Olympics,” the Games are held every four years and include an estimated 8,300 athletes from over 60 countries, making it the third-largest sporting event in the world behind the Olympics and the World Cup. Competition is held in various cities throughout Israel, with levels including Juniors, Youth, Open, and Masters.

Opening ceremonies are slated for July 13 in Jerusalem, though Miller plans to make the trip on July 2 and enjoy the experience with her mother and sister, who will travel with her. The Blue Devil team captain first found out about the opportunity when a committee member contacted Duke field hockey head coach Beth Bozman, who encouraged the All-American defender to go for it.

“It’s great that I get to play, and I consider myself lucky to get the international experience,” said Miller. “It’s not the same type of competition that I’ve seen before with the U.S. National Team, but it’s a different component to be able to give back to a community that has given me so much.”

“Being a Jewish athlete is special – there aren’t a lot of people out there competing at this level. I’m getting to do something I love, give back to my culture, and gain an understanding of what it has to offer.”

Duke will be represented on the men’s soccer field by 2009 Blue Devil team captain Josh Bienenfeld, who, like Miller, will be making his second trip to Israel. The native of Huntingdon Valley, Pa., looks forward to living in housing similar to the Olympic Village and meeting new people who share a similar interest and background.

“It’s a great opportunity to play and meet people through soccer,” said Bienenfeld. “It will be a lot of fun to go back to Israel and play against teams from all over the world.”

“I know some of the guys who are going to play for the United States team from playing against them [including Ryan Adeleye of North Carolina], but it will be nice to be able to play with them this time.”

Bienenfeld’s older sister, Tracy, who played soccer at the University of Pennsylvania, is also participating in the Games.

Both are excited to go back to a place they visited in the past, but to do so under different circumstances. Miller visited Israel at age seven, while Bienenfeld went recently.

This time around, though, they get to mix in a sport they love.

“I’m very excited to go back,” Miller said. “For me, that’s the biggest draw because I’ve been itching to go back and this is the perfect way to do it. It means a lot that I’m able to compete with people who come from the same culture and share the same values. To have the experience of visiting there is so important to every Jewish kid, but to also get to play field hockey, I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

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