If the weather holds (fingers crossed), it should be a beautiful graduation weekend for the Class of 2026 at Christopher Newport University. Here is what nine soon-to-be former Captain athletes have coming next.

Lily Kerr, field hockey
Degree: B.A., criminology; B.A., sociology.
Next chapter: post-grad goals in intelligence and national security.

At first, Kerr was uncertain where her career path would lead. One thing she did know is that when she was a kid, she never got sick of watching "Cops" on television.

Now graduating with two degrees, Kerr plans to pursue a career in federal law enforcement with a focus on investigative and intelligence work."

"I took intro to criminology here, that's the first class you take for that major," said Kerr, who as the goalie finished her career with a program-record 64 wins. "And I just fell in love with it. It's honestly been the one thing that's ever interested me.

"I'm in the application process, and I have an interest in counter-terrorism investigation and intelligence."

Last summer, Kerr served an internship with the Anne Arundel County (Md.) Police Department.

"I got to shadow the detectives and go on ride-alongs with the patrol officers," she said. "And touring the Criminal Investigations Division was amazing. My best summer, honestly. It was a great experience."

Deven Norman, football
Degree: B.S., biology
Next chapter: Eastern Virginia Medical School

With several members of his family in the medical profession, it's no surprise that Deven Norman is taking that path.

Norman, a three-year starter on the defensive line, will begin his physician assistant program in January. It's a 28-month process at EVMS, a partner with CNU in the Early Assurance Program.

"I come from a family of health care providers, and I've always been interested in health care," said Norman, who started 31 games for CNU on the defensive line. "Ever since high school, I knew I wanted to go to PA school."

Norman has applied for the Health Professions Scholarship Program, which is offered at the U.S. Air Force Academy. That would pay his tuition at EVMS and award a monthly stipend.

After completion, he would report to the Air Force for Officer Training School, where he'll work as a physician assistant for three years. That would take him through 2032.

But first comes Saturday's ceremony.

"All this time and work I've put in, it's finally coming to a close," he said. "I kind of don't believe it."

Hailey Kellogg, basketball
Degree: B.A., political science
Next chapter: Coach, teacher.

A point guard throughout her basketball life, Kellogg is used to being a coach on the floor. It's part of the job description.

"Doing that at such a young age showed me how impactful I can be through the game," Kellogg said. "Point guards have to explain where to go and do it in way that's not overly demanding. I think that really prepares us to learn the game better."

Which is why Kellogg, who had a 2.2-to-1 assist/turnover ratio as a senior, is getting into coaching. She will be an assistant to Chrissy Kelly, who was her head coach at Osbourn Park.

Last month, Kellogg attended the WBCA's "So You Want To Be a Coach" in Phoenix. Among those who spoke at the two-day workshop were Texas A&M coach Joni Taylor and former Stanford coaching legend Tara VanDerveer.

"It really helped with networking and getting valuable insight on different aspects of the game that you wouldn't even think about," Kellogg said.

Kellogg also hopes to begin teaching in the fall at Osbourn Park.

Isabel Hall, softball
Degrees: B.S. biology; B.A. leadership studies
Next chapter: Medical research, Shenandoah University

At first, Hall was undecided on a major. Forty-five months later, she's graduating with two degrees.

"My sophomore year, I kind of knew I wanted to go into biology because I've always liked science," said Hall, who would choose cellular, molecular and physiological biology. "My mom is a science teacher, so I was raised in an atmosphere that valued science and education.

"Then my advisor told me that since I came in with some college credits from high school, I could also pursue the leadership degree. It was kind of just on the fly."

Hall, who is hitting .459 with a team-best .553 on-base percentage, is weighing her options.

"I have an offer at Shenandoah to pursue my pre-med," she said. "I have an offer to go into medical dosimetry, which is radiation oncology. I also have general interests in other areas.

"My plan this year is to work as a medical assistant and figure out what specific path I want to go down. Shenandoah's in my hometown, that's where I'll be until I decide."

D'yan Robinson, track and field
Degree: B.S., biology
Next chapter: Med school.

In February, Robinson's track career ended with a torn ACL. A major disappointment, to be sure. But as an aspiring orthopedic surgeon, she also found the process fascinating.

"I've been with orthopedic doctors the last month and a half," Robinson said. "Being on the other end is cool and inspiring to me. As an orthopedic surgeon, I'll still be connected with sports."

Like Norman, she has applied for the HPSP scholarship at the Air Force Academy. She expects to take the Medical College Admission Test in the fall or early next year.

Robinson, who majored in cellular, molecular and physiological biology, said the med schools highest on her list are Johns Hopkins and George Washington.

In addition to academics and athletics, Robinson is a member of Alpha Chi Sigma, a professional fraternity specializing in chemistry. She is also in the National Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students.

"CNU has been such a vessel of opportunity," she said. "I'm really grateful for all the people involved to make it what it is."

Josh Reinhold, baseball
Degree: B.S.B.A., finance.
Next chapter: Paraplanner, Financial Services of Virginia

Reinhold has produced some impressive numbers in his baseball career. Like reaching base in 75 consecutive games to start his career, an NCAA D-III record.

Soon, he'll be crunching numbers with Financial Services of Virginia outside of Richmond. He'll start by working under a financial advisor while preparing for certification exams.

"I had a couple connections to FSV through people at CNU and that led to a series of interviews and ultimately to being offered a position," said Reinhold who carries a 3.67 GPA.

Reinhold hopes his first day will come later rather than sooner. The NCAA tournament could end as late as June 4.

"They're very kind, and they're giving me time to graduate and move my stuff to Richmond," he said.

In addition to his financial skills, Reinhold will bring something else to his new employer.

"As I was leaving after my interview, the partner at the firm said, 'You have a spot on our softball team if you want it,'" he said.

Emily Evans, field hockey
Degree: B.A., communications
Next chapter: TBA

Like many graduates, Evans isn't certain exactly what will come next. What she does know is that it will be in the marketing/public relations line of work.

"I'm going to take my time looking at positions," said Evans, who finished her career with 30 goals and eight assists. "I'm excited to see what the next chapter holds.

"CNU has been more than amazing. And more than enough for me to be prepared for this upcoming chapter."

It was field hockey coach Carrie Moura who helped Evans land an internship last summer. Moura's husband is Adam Beach, the owner of MyGolfSpy, which reviews and tests golf equipment.

"I got in contact with a woman named Bennett Green," Evans said, referring to MyGolfSpy's director of media. "She does almost everything I'd want to do, so she was a perfect person to shadow.

"I was able to learn so many marketing tools and the business logistics, a little bit of everything of the corporate world. And having your coach help you succeed outside the sport meant a lot to me."

Zavier Kennedy, football
Degree: B.S., business administration and management.
Next chapter: Sales development representative, Cvent.

Competition has long been a part of Kennedy's makeup. That helped drive him to his first job out of college.

Cvent is a technology company that sells event planning software to individuals and companies. It makes things easier for them and will give Kennedy that rush of competition.

"What drew me to Cvent was that competitive culture and how a lot of the people were younger and would be able to relate to me," said Kennedy, who averaged 7.1 yards a carry as a senior. "I've always been a competitive person.

"I feel like in a sales environment, that's where you can shine and do your best because it's a competition hitting your quotas. That's what I'm used to playing football."

His time at CNU is winding down, but he'll take the experience with him.

"Everyone at CNU always wants to see you do your best and gives such great resources to help you succeed," he said. "I've been fortunate to benefit from the great family culture that we have here at CNU."

Kyleigh Gough, soccer
Degrees: B.A. psychology; B.A. leadership studies.
Next chapter: Grad school, Georgia Southern University.

For years, Gough has been interested in psychology. In her sophomore year at CNU, she came to the realization she could combine that with another passion — athletics.

After graduation, she will be headed to Georgia Southern University to begin a two-year Master's program in sports psychology.

"The mental side of the game and how that affects performance has really grown over the past couple of years," said Gough, a third-team All-Region pick as a midfielder last fall. "It impacts performance, player confidence and the load of being a student athlete because we're so busy all the time.

"You have your normal student schedule, but then we have travel and meetings and practice. It's a mental load that goes into it by itself, and you add all the anxiety and confidence to that."

Gough, a two-year team captain, will leave CNU with no regrets.

"It went pretty much to a tee of what I could have hoped for here," she said. "Which I know is rare."