Kelsey Griffin thinks she spent more time in the air than on the ground during a whirlwind trip to Nebraska.
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But a gentle reminder of something her coach used to say will make the journey worth it as she returns for the Canberra Capitals' WNBL title defence.
Griffin used the FIBA international window to head back to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for a celebration of the season etched into the state's sporting folklore.
Perhaps the most important thing wasn't the sight of her retired jersey hanging on the wall of an arena or the chance to relive the glory days.
"Being back at Nebraska, I was reminded of some things my coach used to say," Griffin said.
"We approached every game as zero and zero, and we wanted to be 1-0 by the time that game was done. Then when the next game came around, we wanted to be 1-0.
"That moving forward, is what I'm going to try to bring from a leadership standpoint, having that mentality."
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It's that kind of mentality that has Griffin wishing the Capitals could train every single day, which makes co-captain Marianna Tolo the perfect foil for the league's reigning most valuable player.
Because when it comes to training, Griffin tells coach Paul Goriss "he should probably talk to Tolo, I don't know if my teammates would necessarily appreciate what I would want to do for a training schedule".
Griffin still has to pinch herself when she realises it has been 10 years since the Cornhuskers' NCAA division I Big 12 championship win which still stands as their finest season.
Now Griffin will set her sights on another title as the Capitals return to action against the Perth Lynx at the National Convention Centre on Sunday.
"My career will probably be something that, once I'm retired and in another five or 10 years, I'll look back on it and really appreciate the things I went through and was able to accomplish," Griffin said.
"When you're in it, you're still striving to be better, striving for more, and wanting to get the most out of it.
"It's hard to reflect while you're in it, but in the little reflection I did do in Nebraska, it was pretty remarkable to see the impact I had in my five years there.
"I'm hoping when I look back on my time in the WNBL and with the Caps, I can have that same feeling."
WNBL ROUND SIX
Sunday: Canberra Capitals v Perth Lynx at National Convention Centre, 5pm. Tickets from Ticketek.
Caden Helmers
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
