A star prep basketball player and a stellar student at Bellarmine Prep High School in Tacoma, senior Simonne Potts had many options when it came time to choose where she would be attending college.

In the end, her military upbringing played a major role in her college choice.

In August, the 5-foot-11 Potts gave an oral commitment to play women's basketball at the Air Force Academy, ultimately choosing to play for the Falcons after receiving interest from William and Mary, Georgetown, Missouri and Memphis.

At her official visit to the academy campus in Colorado Springs, Colo., Potts just got a good feeling.

"There was something about it," she said. "It was almost like I was at home."

Part of that reason is arguably due to her family background. Potts' mother, Deborah Nash, served 20 years in the Air Force, which included a stint at McChord Field as part of the 62nd Contracting Squadron before retiring in 2008 with the rank of major. Her father, Michael Potts, served more than 21 years in the Air Force as a personnel system manager, retiring a master sergeant. And Potts' stepfather, Army Maj. Woodrow Nash, is currently serving on active duty while stationed at the Pentagon.

"Her being a military brat played a tremendous part in (the decision)," Deborah said. "There are a lot of unknowns for non-military kids when it comes to considering the academy. That wasn't an issue with her. There weren't any reservations on her part."

Through it all, both parents did their best to not let their service background play a role in their daughter's decision.

"We said to her all along that selecting a college is a tremendous decision," Woodrow said. "It's really not a decision we wanted to influence."

But neither parent can hide the positive influence a life in the military has played in the families' life, something that was very evident to Potts.

"I really wanted to challenge myself after seeing the success my parents have had in the military," said Potts, who was born in Italy. "It's great to be able to get the top quality academics the academy offers and be able to serve the country as well."

While the academic and athletic demands at the academy will likely test Potts, Deborah feels her daughter is well prepared. Potts already juggles a busy academic load as well as basketball.

"It's challenging to be a student athlete and find time to work out on her own on top of it," Deborah said. "I think what (student athletes) have to go through now prepares them for the academy."

Potts also won't need any kind of refresher course in the Air Force's core values, as Deborah has made a habit of instilling those in the household.

"I like the discipline the academy offers, and the integrity factor," Potts said. "It's nice to know that you can leave your dorm room door open and nobody is going to steal your stuff."

While Woodrow is proud of the fact Potts made the decision on her own, he admits he could have lobbied harder for his stepdaughter to consider West Point.

"But mom got the final word," he said with a laugh.

And that's something that puts a smile on Deborah's face.

"Obviously, I'm thrilled," she said. "I know the value of the academy experience. As a parent I'm extremely proud of Simonne."