It is always easy to think about what could have been - to ponder the effect that one seemingly insignificant action might have on the course of a life.

Even though senior Ashley Buckingham has as much of a right to do this as anyone, she refuses to play that game.

As a high school All-State selection in 2001, Buckingham came to Michigan with hopes of being an impact player on a rising Big Ten volleyball program.

But, three serious knee injuries later and before she played single point for Michigan, doctors told Buckingham that she could no longer be a competitive athlete.

Still, Buckingham has no regrets about her experience with Michigan volleyball. After her third injury, she assumed a role as student assistant for the volleyball team.

FINDING HER NICHE IN VOLLEYBALL

Growing up in Greenwood, Ind., Buckingham's original passion was basketball.

"(My dad and I) would go to the gym, and I would shoot for hours," Buckingham said. "We would work on things until they were perfect."

She was not introduced to volleyball until sixth grade when her gym teacher - Ann Gandolph (mother of former Michigan spiker Jennifer Gandolph) - noticed Buckingham's height and athleticism.

Having already established herself in basketball, Buckingham initially brushed off the suggestion. But after making an Indianapolis travel squad, she soon found her niche.

In high school, Buckingham was a three-sport star - earning accolades in volleyball, basketball and track and field.

By her junior year, she began to attract the attention of both college basketball and volleyball coaches and was pressured to choose one of them.

"I just liked playing (volleyball) better, and I liked my teammates," Buckingham said.

Jennifer Gandolph - who graduated last year and is currently the assistant volleyball coach at the University of New Orleans - played alongside Buckingham for three years in high school.

"She made a statement on the floor and would let people know when we won a point," Gandolph said about Buckingham. "She got everybody around her fired up."

Buckingham's passion for volleyball was only heightened by winning the state championship her junior year. Gandolph recalls the event as her favorite high school memory.

"It was an amazing experience for both of us," Gandolph said.

BECOMING A WOLVERINE

During her recruitment process, Buckingham developed a passion for the Michigan program.

"I chose Michigan because the people were real with me," Buckingham said. "You certainly want to come here because of the good program and amazing academics, but it's more about relationships."

At a club tournament in the summer before her junior year, with Michigan coach Mark Rosen and Gandolph in attendance, Buckingham notified Rosen of her intention to attend Michigan.

"We had her call (Rosen's) cell phone that day in the gym to commit," Gandolph said. "I was thrilled to get to play with her again."

In the fall of her senior season of high school, Buckingham's volleyball career experienced its first setback. During the third play of a game, Buckingham successfully executed a kill but tore her ACL when her left leg buckled upon landing.

"Her first injury was more devastating than any of her other ones because we did not know what was going to happen to her future, athletically," Kathy Buckingham, Ashley's mom, said.

After rehabbing all year, Buckingham's leg still had not fully recovered, forcing her to redshirt her freshman year. Despite the hindrance, she continued to move forward and prepare for her redshirt freshman season.

"I worked my butt off to get back and compete for spring season." Buckingham said. "Spring season, I was a starter and excited to get back in the fall as a redshirt freshman."

Buckingham's career took another hit when she returned home to Greenwood the summer after her freshman year. While participating in conditioning drills with the high school football team, she landed awkwardly on her left leg and re-tore her ACL.

Despite the setback, Buckingham was not discouraged.

"I rehabbed my sophomore year and got ready to compete for a spot my redshirt sophomore year," Buckingham said.

The final blow to her volleyball career came the next summer when she tore both of her menisci.

"After that, I asked the doctors what I need to do to get back," Buckingham said. "They told me, 'Ashley, you can't do this to your body anymore. It won't hold up any longer.' "

STAYING WITH THE PROGRAM