And that's what Graby lives her life for — helping others, no matter what the personal toll might be. It's come to be her role on the team, in her home and among her friends.

But in the case of Katrina, helping her is hardly considered a personal strain. Marissa has cited Katrina's presence as one of the major impacts in her life, and also the biggest blessing.

It was also a chance to try her hand at motherhood a few years in advance.

"It was like having a little doll," Graby said. "I've tried to mold her into my perfect little me. She's given me a great appreciation for life and family and to love someone."

Of course, it might seem strange for a college student to be have the unselfishness of a mother, but it's easy to see from where Marissa's maternal instincts stem. Her parents, Bill and Marie, have spent years of sacrifice and hardship to help Marissa and her siblings achieve whatever they desired.

It didn't matter that they live on a dairy farm and had tough years because of a drought or a harsh winter. It didn't matter that Marissa lived in a school district with just 550 total students. And it didn't matter that others thought her basketball skills were insufficient for a college atmosphere.

Bill and Marie had faith in their eldest child, but they had incredible odds to overcome.

Nevertheless, Bill set out to make his child's dream of playing for a Div. I school come true. Because there was so little exposure for Marissa at minute Delaware Valley High School, Bill made 30 copies of videotapes of her best games and sent them to Div. I colleges.

And both Marissa and Bill's hard work paid off. Within a few months, Bill became his daughter's recruiting coordinator as the offers hit the Graby household like a deluge.

After signing with Penn State, a process filled with doubt, frustration and grueling hours had been rewarded. But Bill said it was something any good parent would do.

"It was one more thing I could help her with," Bill said. "My three kids and my wife are my best friends and I live my whole life for them."

The dedication and nurturing did not go unnoticed by their daughter, who is grateful for the opportunity to attend Penn State.

"I think my parents are my biggest influences because of the way they brought me up and the things they've given me," Marissa said. "The love they've shown me is probably the biggest influence on how I try to live my life."

And having been brought up in such an atmosphere has made her role on the team an easy and natural one to carry out.

As a senior, Graby sees an average of eight minutes per game — not exactly ideal, but it's something she's willing to endure for the sake of the team. It's not always easy, but her nurturing spirit is an invaluable tool to the program.

"My role on the team is that, 'I'm there for you if you need me and I'll do whatever I can to help you,' " Graby said. "I've always been happy to help other people."

While her contribution might not be readily apparent to fans, it hasn't gone unnoticed by her teammates. They elected her a co-captain in her senior year and Graby has earned the role of the "organizer".

Her role is evident both on and off the court. In the locker room, she tells the team where to go, what color uniform to wear and what time it has to be somewhere. On the hardwood, she can be seen shouting encouragement or pushing an errant player to their correct spot.

"I watch her do a whole lot, and at the exact same time, she really has a peace about herself," Penn State women's basketball coach Rene Portland said. "If you ask Nicole Anaejionu who got her ready to play for us, it's Marissa. She'll be a great teacher."

And that is exactly what Graby plans to do. She is an elementary education major, but originally planned on becoming a veterinarian. She scrapped that idea after encountering difficulties with Math 140.

Graby said her ultimate goal is work in elementary school showing children how much they can accomplish when there's someone who believes in them. She wants to be that someone, opening doors to children who feel they are trapped and have very little hope of succeeding.

It's also a profession those closest to her believe she will find her niche in.

Her father knows it's in her very nature to help others, and teaching will be an extension of her compassionate personality.

"When any little kid needed help, she would help them," Bill said. "If a kid was getting picked on, she'd try to befriend them. There's not a prejudiced bone in her body."

But for Graby, it's another chance to maximize her talents and immerse herself in something she cares for. It's a way for her nurturing, loving nature to be utilized and another place to make an impact.

"My ultimate goal is just to be the best I can be," Graby said. "And if I can help other people, that says something about me."