Alesha Marcks knows when it will be time to turn her attention to her career choice of nursing.

In the meantime, Marcks will enter Moravian College in the fall to eventually play basketball for the Greyhounds program and embark on a nursing career.

It has been a trademark in her life, as she has methodically and meticulously developed her high school career.

Before she takes those steps, however, Marcks has a memorable athletic career to relish from Northampton High School where she starred in both basketball and softball. For her efforts, this past scholastic year, Marcks was recently named the Northampton Press Female Athlete of the Year.

"I'm more shocked than anything," said Marcks in reference to receiving the award. "I'm very excited and didn't expect something like this. It goes to show that if you are dedicated to something and work hard, everything can pay off."

In basketball, Marcks certainly had plenty of platitudes fall her way. She was an integral part of the team and the forward helped lead her team to two consecutive PIAA District 11 Class AAAA titles. Yet it all began quite humbly for her.

"I remember when I was in kindergarten and got a glove and a basketball for Christmas," she recalled. "It was the first real big gift I can remember receiving. But even back then, I always enjoyed playing sports and playing games."

From there, Marcks remembered playing basketball with both boys and girls at the Northampton YMCA. It would prove to be the first steps in a worthwhile journey.

Marcks played on her share of elementary level and middle school level teams as well as traveling teams. She honed her game through the help of her father, Robert III, who apparently understood how to develop a solid team player and overall team chemistry.

"My dad has always been there for me and helped me become the player I am today," she said. "He worked with me very hard through the years and was my coach on as many teams as possible. He always tried to make the best and most complete player I could possibly be.

"We won many championships and he and Joe Csencsits were the coaches. They had girls of all different talent levels, but they always managed to get the most out of them. Both of them also taught the game and the correct way to play."

As far as her varsity career, Marcks discovered she could become a solid contributor and beyond during her sophomore season. Two season later, she had two district titles to cherish.

"It was then (sophomore year) that I knew I had to prove myself," she stated. "That was when I knew I could do this and be successful. I got the chance to start a few games, and I didn't want to blow the chance.

"I proved it myself that I belonged at this level, and I went on to my junior year. Winning the district title the first year was special, but it was even more special to be able to do it two years in a row."

Her coach certainly recognized her efforts.

"(Marcks) had worked very hard throughout her career," said Northampton head girls' basketball coach Jeff Jacksits. "She (Marcks) gained confidence through the years and became a leader for us. She was a big part of our success."

In softball, Marcks also developed a storied past and played on her share of school and traveling teams through the years. She helped the school varsity team become a perennial power in the Lehigh Valley Conference from a series of productive years from her shortstop position.

However, Marcks shifted down her interest in softball about a year-and-half ago when she cut back on her involvement in teams outside the high school realm.

"I had played on a number of (softball), but not as many as basketball," she said. "I stopped playing to concentrate more on basketball because I knew I wanted to play basketball in college."

Despite a busy schedule, Marcks admittedly isn't bothered by pressure situations. Instead, she tends to thrive on them. She had received plenty of support from her parents, Robert III and Jennifer, older sister Jasmyne - a former softball player at NHS - and younger brother Robert IV, who is involved with the school's football and track programs.

"My family has been very supportive of everything I have done," she said. "I like to push myself to do well and I put pressure on myself. But I want to be the person to take and make the last shot."

While at Northampton, Marcks was also active as the sports editor for the yearbook, a member of SADD, and a gym aid. She recounted how a conversation with a nurse helped mold her future career choice and also enabled her to keep sports in her life and in the proper perspective.

"She told me how much she loved being a nurse," said Marcks. "I found out that it (nursing) is a lot of hard work, but I am willing to take the challenge. I can also play basketball for a few more years, but then I shift my focus toward my career.

"Whatever happens, I know I can get through it."

Based on her history, there likely are few doubters along her path.