Reality finally hit Iwona Zagrobelna this week when she booked her flight home to Poland.

"I realized that it's coming to an end," the senior center said. "It's going to be really hard to leave because I don't know if I'll ever be back here again."

Zagrobelna's senior cohorts on the Rainbow Wahine basketball team have been wrestling with similar emotions this week as they prepare for their final home game tonight against New Mexico State.

Though close as sisters, the seniors are a diverse bunch, to be sure.

Zagrobelna came to UH from Poland via junior college in Texas. All-conference standout Tanya Smith arrived from Australia via Oregon. Late-blooming and now indispensible Saundra Cariaga hails from the Big Island. Amy Kotani and Shannon Nishi, both from Honolulu, shared a redshirt year and worked their ways from walk-ons to scholarship players.

Smith, Cariaga, Kotani and Nishi were each recruited by former head coach Vince Goo's staff. And while none has played for anyone but current head coach Jim Bolla, they collectively helped ease the transition between staffs.

"It's a tribute to (Goo's) staff that they identified these players in high school," Bolla said. "They left us with really good people and we've tried to make them better basketball players. They gave us a good base."

The star of the class is Smith, a double-double machine (12.3 points and 11.9 rebounds per game) whose rebounding prowess is as remarkable as her unorthodox offensive skills are confoundingly effective.

"When she shoots, her arms look like they're everywhere," said Nishi, laughing. "But it works. She may look a little unorthodox, but she always gets the job done."

Playing behind and alongside Smith for two years, Zagrobelna said she's admired Smith's consistent tenacity, even as she's double- and triple-teamed.

"It seems like she's always hurt, but when it comes time for the game, she'll get you 20 points and 20 rebounds," Zagrobelna said.

Smith is on schedule to graduate in the spring with a degree in fashion merchandising — "she's Ms. Fashion," said Nishi — before pursuing a basketball career in Europe.

"I've worked hard for the four years I've been here, so although it's sad that it's over, it's also kind of a relief," Smith said. "Everything comes to an end, and maybe that's a good thing. You can't have an amazing experience forever, otherwise it wouldn't be amazing."

Kotani is unanimously credited with being the team's most intense and energetic player.

"She's the hustle and the heart," said Nishi. "She always plays bigger than she is."

The 5-foot-2 point guard has made her impact felt with deft playmaking, relentless defensive pressure and a surprising scoring touch. Off the court, teammates say, she is equal parts team mom (she bakes cakes for every player's birthdays) and prankster.

Sharing every step of Kotani's journey has been Nishi, a four-sport star at Mid-Pacific Institute who has played only sparingly for the Rainbows.

"Everybody wants playing time, but when you don't get it, you have to learn to appreciate different things," said Nishi, who is out for the season with a torn ACL. "It was definitely a character check, but I think I passed."

Kotani said it was Nishi who helped her stay focused as she too struggled to make her mark on the team. Nishi's energetic play in practice and positive attitude off the court are seen as keys to the team's strong chemistry.

Cariaga — described by Zagrobelna as "super chill" — is perhaps the most athletic and versatile player on the roster, but it took her until this year to take full advantage of her gifts. As a senior, Cariaga ranks second on the team in scoring, third in assists and fourth in rebounding.

"She found her game this season and I'm happy for her because she's worked so hard," Nishi said.

Zagrobelna frustrated opponents with her interior defense and her ability to consistently hit 3-pointers before being lost for the season with a dislocated patella and strained MCL. She remains one of the most popular players on the team because of her affability and humor.

"She always makes me laugh with the things she says," Smith said. "Sometimes I think it's because we're both foreign, so I get it."

Said Zagrobelna: "Two years seems so short, but it feels like I've known (my teammates) all my life. They're like family to me."

Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.