When the reality begins to set in that a student-athlete will no longer be defined as "Jane, field hockey star at State University," everything changes. The afternoon no longer means long hours of practice, exercise becomes health-related instead of performance-related, the newspaper stops printing your picture every weekend, and your universe begins to shift.

"What will I do now that my season is over?" becomes a popular question.

Erin Sebbas, senior volleyball player from the University of Arizona, has enjoyed her athletics experience, but she will be ready to move on after the season concludes in a few weeks.

"Although I have always put school first, I know my focus will shift gears after the season is over. Right now, I am just thinking about the next opponent, not necessarily what I will do after graduation," Sebbas said, "I am not in a big panic about what will happen next because I know I have all spring."

Sebbas is studying to become an interpreter for the deaf.

Niki Arinze, basketball standout at Henderson State University, said he is trying to concentrate on doing well in both basketball and school during his senior year.

"I am doing all I can for my team, but I am still setting goals for my grades," Arinze said.

Arinze admitted the NBA or playing professional basketball is his dream after graduation, but good grades as a business finance major will make it easy for "Plan B" to work out, if necessary.

"I am trying not to stress myself out worrying about graduation. Time will pass so quickly, I am just trying to take it one day at a time," Arinze said.

Breanne Nickle, senior softball player at Utah State University, feels her experience as a student-athlete has been like working two full-time jobs. Although it has been hard work, Nickle said she has gained more from her experience than many students on campus.

The transition for Nickle will be relatively easy with her plans already determined. A December wedding to her fiancé Justin Smith and a summer internship that has turned into a full-time job offer after graduation have Nickle focused on the present.

"It hasn't hit me yet that this will be my final season," she said. "I am excited for a new chapter in my life to begin and I think I am ready to move on and do other things. However, I haven't played my last game yet, thinking about how I will never play with these girls again.

"I think when the time actually comes, I will be sad that it is over, but not lost or upset. I am proud of my accomplishments and ready to see what else my life will bring."

-- Crissy Kaesebier