Erin Anthony begged her dad not to make her go.

But as fathers usually do, he knew best.

"I had gone to visit like seven schools in a week and I was so tired of them," the Parkland senior said. "Then he said to me, 'We're going to West Point tomorrow.' I was so mad at him because I just wanted to stay home and sleep and I laid in my room and cried because I didn't want to go on another visit."

Jim Anthony, though, explained the importance of seeing one of the nation's most unique and elite schools. So Erin, without much choice, trekked to Army with her dad in June.

A few hours later, she realized that Army, its women's basketball coaches and the whole aura really intrigued her.

"I told my dad when we got back in the car that I really liked it and that I was glad he made me go," Erin recalled.

Erin made a second trip to Army in August with her mom, Donna, and her official visit came in September. By then, Erin was convinced. She wanted to go to the United States Military Academy. Although she hasn't been offered an appointment, that will likely follow in the next couple of weeks. She did, however, officially sign what Erin calls, 'a little postcard that says I accept my offer of admission.'

Her commitment includes six weeks of boot camp this summer (during which she can't speak to, see or e-mail anyone), four years of college and basketball, five years of active military duty after graduating followed by three years in the reserves.

"I really like the challenge it's going to present," Erin said. "I know I'll have to work really hard every day."

Erin isn't fearful about serving in the Army. Two years ago her father served seven months in Iraq and she said goodbye to him today before he headed to Iraq for another two- or three-month stint.

"There are so many opportunities to be in the Army without having to serve in combat in Iraq," she said.

"If something like that happens, it will happen and I will deal with it when it comes. But five year of service will be a neat experience because you can do a lot of traveling and try new jobs. If I find out it's not really for me, I know I have that background. It can be a lifetime commitment, but if you don't want it to be, you're not stuck with it for the rest of your life."

Jim was overwhelmed with emotion when Erin decided to go to West Point.

"There is such a sense of pride," he said. "I'm impressed with the fact that she is willing to make a commitment like that at such a young age. I know she will be able to handle it. She handles stress very well. She's an excellent multi-tasker. She can keep a lot of balls in the air at one time, a lot better than I can."

The ball Erin will be handling the most for the next several months is one she's gotten really good with. The three-year starter has scored 660 career points in 91 games and grabbed 584 rebounds. Last season for the PIAA Class 4A champion Trojans she averaged 11.1 points per game and blocked nearly 150 shots.

Even better numbers this year wouldn't be a surprise for the 6-1 center.

"She is definitely stronger," Parkland coach Patti Heffner said. "She is probably the best shot-blocker I ever coached. She can anticipate things. She uses her left and right hands. She is a very intimidating factor in there.

"And she has the type of work ethic and commitment to go to West Point. She knows her goals and she strives to meet them."