In four years, students here can earn a degree, but also can leave a lasting impression as athletes.

Sunday marked the culmination of the careers of three NIU players, Jen VonderHaar, Rena Widboom and Tenisha Wilkins, who will graduate with their names laced throughout the Huskie record book.

On Sunday’s Senior Day, the outcome was nothing new as the trio led the way for the Huskies.

VonderHaar had 13 kills and hit at .370. Wilkins added 11 kills and eight digs, and Widboom had a team-high 16 kills and hit at .500 with two solo blocks and four block assists.

“We’ve all been preparing ourselves to go out as strong as when we came in,” Widboom said.

The three rank in the top 10 in career kills with over 1,000.

NIU coach Ray Gooden had something good to say about all four seniors and their contribution.

“It’s good for [Jenny] Rohren to come here and work her way to having a good end to her career,” Gooden said. “For the other three, their names are going to be up and down the media guide. For attacking, those three are going to have numbers that are going to be tough to duplicate. Especially that group of three: to have such a positive impact on a program. It’s really cool.”

With no more home matches remaining, the women will have to look back on their time at NIU and think of the good memories. However, it hasn’t started to sink in that Sunday was the last time they will step onto the court as a player at NIU.

“It’ll start kicking in when I don’t have to go to practice anymore. When I wake up and say ‘Ooo, no more practice,’” VonderHaar said.