Gabrielle Gheyssen is the only fifth-year player on the women's basketball team this season, but rather than feeling the pressure, she's looking forward to the season.
"I feel less pressure because I'm just in the mindset that this is my last year and I am the player that I am and I'm just going in excited," Gheyssen said.
Not only is this her last season playing with the Cougars women's basketball team, she will complete her degree in Business Administration with a major in accounting next April. After spending five years busy with classes and basketball, Gheyssen is looking forward to some free time after she graduates. And she's already got some exciting plans for next year.
"I plan on going travelling for about six months with my boyfriend," she said. "I have family in Thailand so we're going go there for a bit and just work our way around Asia. When I get back hopefully I'll have a job lined up."
One aspect that Gheyssen enjoys the most about being on the team that extends to her hobbies outside of basketball is the competition.
"I can see myself doing triathlons or running half marathons - anything that allows me to keep that competitiveness alive," Gheyssen said. "I also started skydiving last year, so I'd love to do more of that."
In addition to being a member of an elite team, Gheyssen is currently enrolled in four classes. Many students struggle with the work of university alone, but she has been able to make time for both.
"I have never known anything different, it's always been school and basketball," she said. "You just need to be motivated to do both."
Looking forward to the season, Gheyssen has some big expectations.
"I think if we don't medal at nationals it will be a disappointment," she said. "We're just as strong - if not stronger - than last year, and we have such a winning mindset. For me personally, I just want to play to my potential and be a contributing member of the team."
Being on the team for five years, Gheyssen has grown close to her teammates.
"We have a great group of girls on this team," she said. "I've developed such a great bond with all these girls and they want what's best for you. They are always there for you. And to play a sport that I love every day has been a dream come true for me."
To find out more about all of the U of R Cougars and Rams teams, including schedules and results, go to http://www.reginacougars.com/ .