It was something that sophomore Maggie Campbell overheard that made her realize her desire.
The Friday before the DePauw field hockey team's NCAA semifinal at William Smith College, Campbell heard a Tufts University player say that the final four setting felt different than the year before.
This was the first appearance for the Tigers, but Campbell is sure it won't be her last.
"We want to be able to come back," Campbell said. "All of us are just that much more determined and focused, and we realize that it is an achievable goal, and one we'll have to work hard for."
Tufts ended DePauw's most successful season in the program's 43-year history the next day with a 2-0 decision. Disappointment was apparent immediately after, but there isn't anything to be disappointed with about a school-best 21-2 record, and perhaps the brightest future for any DePauw athletic program.
"We learned this year that is takes a lot of hard work, but it's something that we are all capable of," head coach Gina Wills said. "There's an understanding and a lot of motivation for the returning players to get back there."
In conference play, the Tigers were a perfect 14-0. More impressive is of the 14 wins, 12 were shutouts.
After rolling over NCAC competition, DePauw earned a first round bye, and won the school's first ever Div. III playoff game over Utica, 3-2, in overtime. The Tigers then downed the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament, Middlebury College, 2-1, in overtime.
"After this season, we really proved we can compete with teams out east, and we aren't just good in our conference," Campbell said. "Moving forward, our biggest thing is we want to prove that it wasn't just a fluke, and it wasn't just something that happened this year. It's something that will happen every year."
To accomplish that will be no easy task. DePauw graduates three of the most decorated players in program history. Caroline Torie, a midfielder, played in every game (82) in her career - a DePauw record. Bridgette Shamleffer is a two-time all-region nominee, is eighth in career goals (39), points (99) and is seventh in assists (21).
Finally, Margaret Ellis leaves a gaping hole in the middle forward position. The Div. I transfer, in just three years, holds school records in goals (75) and points (172). She is a three-time offensive conference player of the year and a two-time Great Lakes offensive player of the year.
"I've talked with a couple of girls wondering who is going to play Margaret's position, and we really don't know until next year," Campbell said.
Campbell, who led the team with 11 assists, leads a formidable offense alongside fellow-sophomore, Paige Henry. Henry's 13 goals were good for third on the team behind Ellis (27) and Shamleffer (16).
The entire defense, which is credited with 15 shutouts and the country's best goals against average, returns as well,
Campbell and Wills both agreed it will take multiple players to fill the offense voids, and they have those players to do it.
"Paige is incredible. She can score on anyone if you can get her the ball," Campbell said.
Added Wills: "It took all 25 of us to get that far this year. While everyone didn't play in the final game, it took everyone to get to that point in the season."
So do the goals change from winning the conference title, to winning the national title? Not quite.
"Our goals are still the same - to be competitive in conference, to win the conference tournament, and make it to the NCAA tournament," Wills said. "The message stays the same, maybe we have a little bit more credibility and proof."
And now that players have a taste of what the tournament is like, they want more.
Before this season, Campbell said players would have laughed if someone said they had a chance to win the national title.
No one is laughing now.