University of New England senior Ali Trafton likely has at least one more soccer game left in her collegiate career, but she's far from ready to give the game up.

"I've got baby pictures with a soccer ball at my feet," Trafton said. "I just love the unpredictable aspect of it. You can be so creative."

Trafton and her teammates will find out Monday if they were selected for the East Coast Athletics Conference tournament. They were upset in the quarterfinal round of The Commonwealth Coast Conference tournament, nixing an NCAA Division III bid. But after finishing 14-3-0, the Nor'easters will probably receive an invitation to the ECAC tournament.

Still, Trafton's college career is nearing its end. It's been a good one, too. This season, the midfielder was selected as a first-team conference all-star and was named TCCC Senior Scholar/Athlete of the Year.

"I was surprised and I'm honored," Trafton said of the award. "They pick one of the seniors with a top GPA and is a good player."

Trafton qualified on both counts. She finished the season with six goals and six assists and holds a grade point average of 3.86 in her major, exercise science. She's unsure what she'll pursue with her degree but soccer remains in her plans, either as a coach, in strength and conditioning or even as a player.

Trafton transferred from Division II University of Southern Connecticut after her sophomore year to pursue her major. The soccer's worked out pretty well, too. In her two years at the Biddeford school, Trafton has scored 10 goals and recorded 14 assists while the team has gone 26-7-0.

"Ali brings a work ethic to the field and a competitiveness," UNE coach Doug Biggs said. "She's just an extremely competitive player."

With all the starters returning this season, the Nor'easters rolled, posting non-conference wins against Colby and Roger Williams while also knocking off conference power Endicott.

Biggs shifted Trafton from outside midfielder to offensive center midfielder, and the move paid off.

"In the middle you have to be more diverse and make quick decisions," Trafton said.

Despite her size -- 5 feet, 5 inches and 120 pounds -- Trafton thrived in the physical aspect of the game, much as she did at Maranacook Community High School.

"A lot of stuff gets let go which is fine with me," she said.

The transfer to UNE could not have worked out better for Trafton, who lives in a house on the beach and is studying a diverse major.

"Everything I learn relates to everything I do," she said. "It's definitely my cup of tea."

It's also allowed her parents to attend every game this season.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," she said. "I love it when they come. I wouldn't be the player today without the support of my family. They're definitely my rock."

Gary Hawkins -- 621-5638

ghawkins@centralmaine.com