For Kate Heffernan, that while has not yet passed.
The 19-year-old is still very much appreciating every moment she spends with the Southern Steel.
``It's still pretty cool, it's still a little bit like that,'' she said.
``I'm still enjoying just being part of it, really.''
That could possibly get even cooler, as she plays her first home Super Sunday tomorrow in Invercargill.
The team faces the Northern Mystics for the Georgie Salter Memorial Trophy at 4.10pm - the middle of the three games at the venue - before playing the Central Pulse on Monday night.
It has been a big year for Heffernan, who experienced her first taste of the Steel last year when she was called into the squad as an injury replacement.
This year she has started every game at wing defence, making full use of her long arms and athleticism to be disruptive at the Steel's defensive end.
That has led to some top performances - and there might be even more to come.
While beginning to feel more comfortable, Heffernan said she was still adapting to the new level.
``It's getting better. I'm getting used to the pace and physicality.
``Each game I think I'm adjusting faster.
``I still have my moments. It's quite overwhelming at times, it's so fast.
``But I'm definitely getting used to it, step by step, but it's getting there.''
Her twin sister, Georgia, an equally highly touted prospect, has also joined the team for the week.
A Steel training partner, she has made a handful of appearances this season.
That included Wednesday night's win over the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic.
In the second half, Kate slotted into centre for a sick Shannon Saunders, while Georgia had two stints at goal attack.
Kate said they had enjoyed that, playing together at the highest level in the positions they grew up in.
Both are also promising cricketers and Kate spent time with the White Ferns last year.
She chose to pull back slightly last summer, sitting out the Otago Sparks one-day campaign.
That allowed her to focus on the Steel pre-season - which was earlier due to the early season - while still playing in the twenty20 matches.
It was a decision she was glad to have made, although was still unsure what that meant for her future in the sports.
``I'm really enjoying netball and there is a longer break between the seasons, which could mean a bit more cricket.
``I'll definitely play cricket when I can.
``I'm still wanting to make both work, but I'm not too sure what's going to happen.''
Between all that she is squeezing in a psychology degree at the University of Otago.
She has been studying part-time this semester and will move into full-time after the holidays, once netball finishes.
ANZ Premiership
Super Sunday, Invercargill
2.10pm: Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic v Central Pulse
4.10pm: Southern Steel v Northern Mystics
6.10pm: Mainland Tactix v Northern Stars
Monday
7.40pm: Steel v Pulse
Steel squad
Gina Crampton, Shannon Saunders, Kate Heffernan, Kendall McMinn, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Lenize Potgieter, Jennifer O’Connell, Georgia Heffernan, Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit, Abby Erwood, Courtney Elliott.
