Destinee Walker: When injuries get in the way

Photos by Gabrielle Palacio

Destinee Walker is a junior basketball player at UNC-Chapel Hill and has spent the majority of her collegiate career away from the sport she loves. She came into Carolina strong, playing an average of 37.3 minutes per game, far more than many collegiate athletes. Soon after the start of her sophomore year, she injured her right knee and has been unable to play since.

Junior Guard Destinee Walker started her freshman year at UNC-Chapel Hill averaging 37.3 minutes per game. "It was a dream for a senior athlete in high school to come to college and be able to play right away," Walker said. In November of her sophomore year, she was told she would be out for the season.
Walker was named UNC Women's Basketball's defensive player of the year two years in a row and is among the top free-throw shooters in UNC history. But as a result of several injuries to her right knee during her sophomore season, Walker had to undergo surgery to repair the damage.
When Walker first injured her knee, she wanted to continue to play and help her teammates finish the season. But she knew that taking care of her injury now would ultimately be the right choice.
Watching from the bench hasn't been easy. But she has remained positive during her year off and is using this time to mentally prepare for the upcoming season so that she can do her best when she gets back.
Despite being disappointed that she cannot play, Walker is still there for all of her teammates. She attends every game and every practice to support her team any way she can.
From the sideline, Walker has a unique perspective that she can give to her teammates who are on the court. Walker says that she encourages her teammates and gives them advice when she is able to.
Walker feels the losses and the hardships that her teammates feel on the court.
Walker's teammates have described her as a cheerful force in the team who always keeps spirits high.
Walker's bright outlook on life has allowed her to accept her injury with determination and positivity.
Walker received the Athletic Director's Scholar-Athlete awards, which recognize a top academic performer on each Tar Heel team.
The rehabilitation of her injury has taken time and perseverance, but Walker's outlook on life has helped her to get back to full health.
She has faced setbacks throughout the year, but is now ready to join her team in the coming months.
Destinee plans to start practicing with her team mates starting this summer and is excited for the coming basketball season to start.