MUNCIE, Ind. — The clock is ticking on Jennifer Boyd.

Sometimes it hits the Seneca Valley graduate and Ball State University senior volleyball player when she least expects it.

After three-plus years of dominance at the net for the Cardinals.

“It’s actually been dawning on me for a long time,” Boyd said. “Even last year it was like. ‘Oh my gosh, next year is going to be my last year.’

“It’s crazy,” Boyd added. “I’m just trying to enjoy every moment, savor every practice and game.”

Ball State has enjoyed having her in the front row.

Boyd excelled on the court at Seneca Valley under coaches Heather Haff and Karen Martini.

The 6-foot Boyd averaged 12 kills and 10 blocks per match during her senior year at Seneca Valley and was named the Raiders’ MVP in each of her four seasons. She also helped the team to two section titles and a WPIAL title.

“We had a lot of success at Seneca Valley,” Boyd said. “We played in some big games, some tight, back-and-forth games where every point mattered. That helped me learn what it takes to win.”

Boyd was heavily recruited out of high school and picked Ball State over Marquette.

“I just felt Ball State tugging at me,” Boyd said. “I loved the campus and I loved the coach. I felt like he was going to help me get better.”

That coach was Dave Boos, who unexpectedly left the program to become an assistant volleyball coach at the University of Florida.

“It actually came out of nowhere,” Boyd said. “We were all wondering where it came from. When Dave first left, I was kind of like ‘Gosh, this is going to be a big change.’ And I didn’t know who the new coach would be and whether or not I would be staying.”

But Ball State hired Steven Shondell, a volleyball coach at a local high school who had enjoyed big time success at the prep level.

Boyd and Shondell hit it off instantly.

“I have only coached Jennifer for just over a year, but I can tell you her work ethic and team leadership has helped turn our program completely around,” Shondell said. “She brings an extremely strong work ethic to practice every day. She is a relentless worker and a fearless competitor.”

Shondell made an immediate impact on the program. The Cardinals went from a .500 team to 24-5 record and a Mid-American Conference championship in his first season.

This year, Ball State is off to a 14-2 start.

“It was really exciting for us,” Boyd said. “We knew we had the talent all along, but I don’t think we really believed in ourselves. One of the great things about Steve is his ability to make us believe in ourselves.”

Boyd said she was timid and shy during her first two seasons at Ball State, but has broken out of her shell, both on the court and off of it.

“I’m more assertive and loud,” Boyd said. “I’m more aggressive going after the ball.”

And she’s just as potent at the net as ever.

In fact, her nickname is “Striker.”

“That’s because she is a lightning quick attacker,” Shondell said. “She has improved her vertical jump three inches in the past year due to her efforts in the weight room over the summer. She has evolved into one of the best players in the midwest.”

Even though Boyd feels the end of her college volleyball career stalking her every day, she believes she can keep playing.

Boyd’s goal is to land a professional volleyball contract in Europe.

She’s certainly built an impressive resume.

“When it’s over here, I want to try to see if anyone wants me to play for them,” Boyd said. “I would love to get paid for doing something I love as much as volleyball. That would be a dream come true.”