Lakewood, N.J. - The magical season of 2019 had come to a close less than 20 minutes earlier. The Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference champion-Lions, making their first appearance in the NCAA Division II Women's Volleyball East Regionals in six years, were eliminated by the University of Bridgeport in four sets. Having led the royal and blue with a match-best 11 kills in the setback, Shana Rayside had just wrapped up a postgame press conference. Upon walking out of the media room in Molloy College's Quelay Gymnasium, a thought suddenly hit the senior, CACC champ, and All-CACC selection…"It's over."

"Being that I had the best senior season any athlete could hope for, when it ended I was so heartbroken that I would never be able to play on this team or with these teammates again," said Rayside. "Just the thought of not being able to play volleyball again broke my heart."

Thinking she had stepped onto the court as a student-athlete for the final time, Rayside made peace with the situation and put her focus on her studies, graduating with a degree in psychology this past spring. No regrets. Until a most unexpected opportunity came her way, albeit from the other side of the Atlantic.

"I will be attending the University of East London for a year where I will be getting my master's degree in Psychology. Coach (Sempkowski) sent us seniors an email with information about the program and at first I paid it no mind. Then, a couple months later, I sent in my highlight video just to see what universities would be interested and now, here we are."

As the saying goes, "Winners win", and Shana is proof of that as she leaves one championship squad to join another. The University of East London (UEL) won four consecutive BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) League crowns from 2015 to 2018.

"We could not be more proud of Shana," shared her collegiate coach of four seasons, Dan Sempkowski. "Most importantly, it is a great opportunity to further her academic profile and put herself in position to have a very successful career once she does graduate with her master's degree. The stress we put on academics in our program at Georgian Court has clearly rubbed off on her."

BUCS includes 12 teams, six from the north and six from the south in the United Kingdom. The top four teams from the north, as well as the top four from the south, advance to the playoffs in an attempt to become league champions.

"This opportunity to take the court again means more to me than anything. I feel so blessed to be given this chance to not only play overseas in a completely new country, but to also further my education."

Shana has been out of the United States before (Spain and Canada), but never for an extended period like this. Coming from a very large, close-knit family, it would be understandable that a bit of anxiety and doubt may enter the scenario.

"Since the day I applied, my parents and sisters have stood by my side 100%. There were times during the process when I was not completely sure I wanted to follow through with my decision, but they kept reassuring me that this would be a great opportunity and a huge step into the next chapter of my life."

And what is she now most excited about?

"I think the one thing that I am the most excited about is being alone. Each time I traveled somewhere completely new I had someone to experience it with. Now that I have this experience to myself, I can really focus on me and grow more into the person I want to become."

Self-reflection and self-awareness our on the top of Rayside's "to do" list as she prepares for her once-in-a-lifetime journey.

"My biggest goal while I am in London is to learn more about life on my own. Who is my true self and who do I want to become? I want to be able to come back to the States not a completely changed person, but an upgraded version of who I am now."

One thing Shana certainly won't forget are her roots, as the Lakewood, New Jersey native carries nothing but the fondest of memories as a Lion.

"I will definitely miss the close bonds I have created with all the professors, coaches, and staff at Georgian Court. Throughout my four years, they were there to guide me into the right direction when I felt lost. From the academic departments to the athletic department, I knew I had someone to turn to with any problem I had."

We will all be here when you get back, Shana … go make us proud.