For Destiny Slocum, It's All About People

CORVALLIS, Ore. – For Destiny Slocum, it's all about people.

When the sophomore from Meridian, Idaho transferred to Oregon State from Maryland this summer, it was with much more than basketball in mind.

"I knew what I was looking for. Oregon State had all of the right pieces in place," Slocum said. "The basketball here is awesome, but it was more about the people here. Their hearts and their vision for this program are much bigger than basketball, and I was drawn to that right from the beginning."

Early in her time at Oregon State, Slocum's decision has proven to be the right choice. The guard has already started to bond with her teammates both on and off the floor. She has been struck by the way the squad spends so much time together away from basketball, and she believes their friendship away from the gym will help their chemistry on the court.

"My time in Corvallis has been awesome," Slocum said. "The girls on the team already feel like family, it doesn't really feel like this is my first year. I know these are going to be awesome years ahead. There's so much to do in Corvallis, it kind of reminds me of a smaller Boise, so it's like a home away from home."

As she begins her career in Corvallis, Slocum will look to build upon her stellar freshman campaign at Maryland, where the guard was the WBCA National Freshman of the Year and Big Ten Freshman of the Year. She was named to the all-conference second team, after averaging 11.5 points, 6.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game in the 2016-17 season.

But even with an outstanding freshman year behind her, Slocum brings an unselfish approach to the gym.

"I want to do whatever the team needs me to do," Slocum said. "If coach puts me in to pass, I'll pass, if he wants me to shoot I'll shoot. Whatever the team needs, that's what I want to provide."

Slocum's standout freshman campaign landed her an invite to the USA Basketball U23 Trials this summer. The sophomore competed with some of the best collegiate players in the nation, highlighting her time in Colorado Springs with a 15-point showing in an intrasquad scrimmage, as she went 6-for-8 from the floor. Although she was not ultimately selected for the final USA roster, Slocum looks her time at the trials as a valuable learning opportunity.

"I think it was a great experience," Slocum said. "I didn't get the result I wanted, but I got a lot of tips, and a lot of things to work on to help me improve. I came back with plenty to work on, so that the next time I'm called up for a tryout I can make the squad."

Oregon State announced its 2017-18 nonconference schedule last week. You can read more about that here.

Women's basketball season ticket deposits are only $25 and can be made by clicking here or calling 541-737-2050. Season tickets can be purchased for as low as $84 for adults, $68 for children and seniors.

OREGON STATE ATHLETICS' EVERYDAY CHAMPIONS CULTURE
Through the power of sport, we help people discover and pursue their passions, talents and purpose in order to live a life of balance and positive contribution.

Players Mentioned

Destiny Slocum

Related Videos