When the spotlight shines on the sporting world, the players basking in the glow are there for their athletic achievements. Being a quality individual is considered a plus.

In her collegiate career, Shelly Roberts spent some time in the spotlight. She racked up 20-point games, led her team in scoring average as a junior and climbed up the NIU all-time scoring list.

But what sets Roberts apart has always been her unwavering character. She co-captained her squad the last two years, earned spots on the Dean’s list four times and was named NIU’s 1985-86 Sportswoman of the Year.

oberts also has a penchant for giving. She served as a student-athlete representative on the Athletic Board and participated in the Council for Exceptional Children.

Although her athletic career will end (along with Val Leitzen’s and Margaret Zyk’s) Saturday when the 10-16 Huskies close out their season with a 2 p.m. matchup with Illinois-Chicago (4-19), Roberts intends to keep on giving.

“I want to work with Don Bramlett in Athletic Counseling. Maybe do some tutoring, something like that,” said Roberts, who hopes to work with Bramlett while finishing up her undergraduate work next year.

oberts looked back at her career year-by-year with a focus on what each season meant to her. She said her freshman year was when she “learned the most as a player,” while she “grew as a person” in her injury-filled sophomore season.

“My junior year was probably, looking at statistics, the most rewarding,” Roberts said. “I was the leading returning scorer, and they depended on me for scoring until they established Carol (Owens). That was a lot of pressure. I think I reacted well.”

The 6-foot forward has never been one to grab glory. Her playing style is one of control and technique, with her talent doing the rest. Last season saw her top the Huskies in scoring average with 13.6 points per game. This year, Roberts compliments the scoring trio of Lisa Foss, Tammy Hinchee and Gena Stubbs with 12.5 ppg.

The past season has seen a wealth of honors fall Roberts’ way. She became the fifth player in NIU history to score 1,000 career points Jan. 31 against Detroit. She secured fourth place on the team’s all-time scoring list. She is also a candidate for the Academic All-America list.

“These last few games I’ve wanted to put a cap on a few goals I’ve made. Moving into fourth place, being over .500 (shooting percentage) and helping the team win so they will be respected going into the conference,” Roberts said.

er desire “to help the team” is an indication of Roberts’ team-oriented attitude. What will her life be like after Saturday?

“The one thing that’s probably going to bother me the most is adjusting to not belonging to a team. For 10 years I’ve belonged to a basketball team, a volleyball team or a track team. Maybe I’ll join a sorority,” Roberts said with a smile, the way she will be remembered at NIU.