By September of next year, that's exactly how Ericksen will be using her free time.
Earlier this week, Ericksen signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Manhattan College, located in Riverdale, N.Y., approximately 20 miles from the heart of New York City.
"I'm so excited," Ericksen said. "I love the city but it's still close to home. I love the vibe of the city. The shopping. The fast pace. New York City is very different from where I live."
The 5-foot-11 Ericksen will play for former Morris Catholic High School coach John Olenowski, who has a 39-25 record in two season at the Jaspers' helm. Olenowski guided the Crusaders for 14 seasons. In Olenowski's two stints as head coach, Morris Catholic went 330-39. The Crusaders claimed 10 conference titles, three state championships and six Morris County Tournament crowns.
"He's a great coach," Ericksen said of Olenowski. "I have a good connection with him. He told me I'll have to work for a spot and I'll do my best to get one."
Last season, Ericksen powered the Wolfpack to the first sectional title in school history. She averaged 22.3 points, 13.0 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 2.0 blocks. As a junior, Ericksen posted 22 double-doubles. Some of the more notable ones: Bayonne (20 points, 11 rebounds), Randolph (21, 20), Whippany Park (34, 18), Morris Catholic (22, 13), Somerville (23, 22), Cranford (31, 15).
West Morris coach Fran Gavin feels Ericksen will thrive at Manhattan due to her work ethic.
"Shayna works hard. She's always trying to get better," Gavin said. "She's fast and strong and has lots of natural ability. Shayna also has good instincts. Manhattan is a good place for her. We all know the coach. She'll be able to play at that level.
"It's good competition and close for her parents. I think it's a home run. I do cartwheels emotionally for her. It's nice when good things happen to a good kid."
Ericksen was relieved to be done with the recruiting process.
"I'm glad it's over," said Ericksen, who also considered Monmouth, Loyola, Iona and FDU-Teaneck. "It was stressful. Every college is different and offers different things. It was hard to cut it down to one."
At Manhattan, Ericksen plans to major in public relations or "something related to business."
