As the final seconds of the season wound down, the end had come. After 15 highly successful years in net, she thought she could walk away. But not now, not with the dream so close.

Laura Jackson, last year's co-captain and goalkeeper of the women's soccer team, has decided to try to fulfill her longtime ambition: to play varsity soccer for Penn State.

In the fall of 1994, the Lady Booters will begin their first season as a varsity team. And for Jackson, the prospect of that happening without her was too much to think about.

"Playing on a varsity team was my goal since I was a freshman," Jackson said. "But I know there are no guarantees, so I just want to work as hard as possible to make the team."

Jackson has been working to stay in shape all semester. She is participating in an indoor league in addition to working out with team members three days a week.

"I've been fairly happy with the way I've played so far," Jackson said. "I definitely think there is going to be a lot of competition, but that will make me work even harder."

Coach Patrick Farmer said he found it interesting that someone who has put so much time into the game would still be willing to return for another semester.

And although the coach has not seen Jackson play very often, he has noticed some skills early on.

"Laura is very quick, and very competitive," Farmer said. "She seems to be a good athlete, and she is very hard on her herself when things don't turn out the way she'd like."

Stopper Debbie Summers, who is also trying out for the team, has been a teammate of Jackson's for three years, and would love to be reunited with her again.

"I think Laura is very focused," Summers said. "I think the fact that she is playing now will be a big help for her, and she is a player who can bring a lot of things to a team."

Jackson recorded shutouts in all seven of the Lady Booters victories last season. But proficiency in net is not all she offers. Jackson has been one of Penn State's most enthusiastic players and a positive influence on younger members of the team.

Farmer will not make any personnel decisions until April. At that time he will speak to players about trying out for the squad in the fall. Farmer said that the only players guaranteed of a spot on the team are the signed recruits committed to Penn State, but he does anticipate carrying a large roster in the fall.