Even though she will try to stay active in Ohio, the 22-year-old hopes to let her body rest after trying to come back too fast after her accident late last summer when struck by a vehicle while training in American Fork Canyon and also avoid any minor injuries, which have nagged her throughout her last few years of intense training.

"This is such an appropriate time for her to go, not only because she has wanted to go, but also physically, it's a good time for her to heal," Shane said. "We've had a lot of missionaries come back and have great careers, and she has also said she will return to the team when she gets back off her mission."

When Andersen returns for her senior season in track and her last two years in cross country in 2007, she will also get to finally compete with her sister Julie, who just finished her freshman year on BYU's track team.

Because of Kassi's injuries, the duo — who both prepped at Provo High — didn't get to compete together last season. However, the six-time All-American was still around to support her sister and her team.

"It's been fun," Andersen said. "She does totally different events than me and has a different coach, so there's no advice I can give or tell her what benefited me. But it will be fun to run with her and go to races with her."

While Julie could easily follow in Kassi's footsteps in track and field for the next few years, Kassi is set to follow in the footsteps of her four brothers in the mission field as she prepares to spend four weeks in the Mission Training Center, starting in August.

"I love it," Kassi said. "It's something new and something different, studying and talking to people, but the only fear I have is what I don't know."