This article by Jason Guarente was originally published on LNP | LancasterOnline on Dec. 2, 2024. 

One little moment after another kept Jenna Dombach (’24 & ’28) at Lancaster Bible College. She decided to take her fifth year. The year she never thought she wanted.

LBC women’s basketball standout and fifth-year player Jenna Dombach eclipsed 1,000 career points as a Charger on Nov. 23, 2024.

There was a chance to play more basketball, the sport that has filled her days since third grade, and a chance to study music, the creative pursuit that fills her heart.

How could Dombach leave that behind?

Dombach has already earned her degree in criminal justice. A career in that field, perhaps as a paralegal, was waiting for her.

A fifth year offered something different. Something bigger than work or money or professional advancement. It was a chance to find enrichment in the activities she loves the most. A gap year, she called it, without ever leaving school.

“I’ve gotten a lot of different responses,” Dombach said. “Some people get it. They’re like, ‘That’s so awesome.’ Other people are like, ‘Maybe you should be an adult and go get a job.’”

Dombach is content with the path she chose to follow last spring. To retain her eligibility, she needed to pursue a second bachelor’s degree. She’s taking piano lessons, guitar lessons and is learning music theory.

Once she leaves the LBC campus, Dombach’s future could be written in songs. If not, Plan A in the legal world is still available. CONTINUE READING…