Heather Erickson is a member of Team USA’s Women’s Sitting Volleyball team that will compete in the Tokyo Paralympics in August.

Erickson, who grew up in Fayetteville, graduated from Jack Britt High School in 2011.

According to Erickson’s biography on the Team USA website, she gives credit to her success to her family, particularly a sister, Stephanie.

“She helps me with everything, including volleyball skills and life issues,” Erickson stated.

Erickson had her right leg amputated when she was 8 years old. She went on to play volleyball in high school, and has been on the national team since she was 14.

The coming Olympic Games will mark her fourth appearance on the Olympic stage. At 28 years old, Erickson has one gold and two silver medals to her name thus far. She also is a three-time USA Volleyball Female Sitting Player of the Year, according to information provided by Team USA .

“I enjoyed growing up in Fayetteville,” she said. “I met many good, influential people who allowed me to pursue volleyball and supported my decision to concentrate on the sport at an international level,” Erickson said.