After years of all-nighters at the library, early morning conditioning, practices, and classes every day, most graduates are in considerable need of some relaxation, perhaps a weekend haven on the sandy beaches of Florida or a five-day cruise through the Caribbean Islands.

Not Elle Queen. This University of Dayton women’s basketball player has other intentions in mind. Upon graduation, this redshirt senior and her mom, Susan, are in the process of planning a 900- mile bike trip from Seattle to San Francisco! They plan to fly from their hometown in Minnesota to Seattle, and journey down the western shoreline through Oregon and into California while making occasional stops to enjoy some spectacular food and unbeatable hotel experiences.

“My mom and I love biking, traveling and experiencing new cultures,” said Queen.

To some, this may seem like an astonishing way to spend the first few weeks following graduation, but not to Queen.

Because of her unique family traditions, she has become accustomed to experiences quite similar to their anticipated trip down the western coast. For as long as she can remember, every four years Elle and her family have toured different countries in Europe to experience their diverse cultures and the beauty of their world. They have been to Ireland, London, Italy, and have already made plans to travel to Spain.

After the eventful summer that she and her family already have lined up, Queen plans to pursue a profession in either marketing or public relations. In fact, after a career workshop day with a number of different professionals, an employer contacted her for a phone interview for a sales position in Denver. She now anticipates a face-to-face interview in April at the company’s headquarters in Denver and hopes to land the position as a sales associate.

In the meantime this co-captain and the Flyers are heading for the 2012 Buick Women’s Basketball Atlantic 10 Championship in Philadelphia. Dayton has a first round bye and will play March 3 at 7:30 p.m. against either Saint Louis or Charlotte.

University of Dayton Athletics Communication student Jordan Martin is writing a feature on each of the members of the 2011-12 University of Dayton women's basketball team throughout the season. This is his ninth feature story of the year.