Batiste makes her college choice

As a little girl playing on the Biddy Basketball hardwood, Thibodaux High School senior Destiny Batiste said she had one dream – to play basketball at the highest level her abilities allowed.

This past week, that dream came true.

Batiste signed with Delgado Community College last week – a ceremony she enjoyed with coaches, teammates, friends and family.

Batiste is one of the best guards in the area – a multi-year contributor for the Lady Tigers under coach Ashley Adams.

Batiste said she chose Delgado over interest from other programs around the Southeast. She said knowing that the process is over and that she officially has a collegiate home is a feeling of relief. Batiste said putting her name on those papers is a moment that she will not soon forget.

“It feels great,” Batiste said. “I actually feel relief. It was very stressful trying to make the right decision. But honestly, I feel blessed because for me, it’s always been a dream to get to this level.”

It’s not difficult to see why Delgado would be interested in Batiste’s services.

Batiste was a First-Team All-District selection in District 7-5A – one of the top players for a Thibodaux team which reached the second-round of the Class 5A State Playoffs.

Batiste averaged 10 points per game, but was one of the Lady Tigers’ all-around leaders in every, single facet of the game. She was also among the team’s leaders in rebounds, steals and assists.

On the floor, Batiste is a bulldog. She plays with relentless effort and a tenacity that is often unmatched by opponents.

She said she finds that energy through an unrivaled love for the game – a passion that’s burned inside of her throughout her career.

“It’s just a love and passion that I have for the game,” Batiste said. “I put my all into it and I’m just very competitive. I’ll do anything to try and win. I always was told to leave everything on the court like it’s your last game.”

And for Batiste, Delgado was just a good fit.

She said she visited the campus and liked the love that she got from coaches, future teammates and everyone on campus.

Delgado is an upstart program trying to find its way back to the top of the standings after a tough 2017-18 season.

The Lady Dolphins have recruited local for many years and former Ellender standout Nikkia Johnson just finished her freshman season with the team.

Delgado also has a player from Assumption and also East St. John – programs familiar to sports fans in the area because of their ties to local districts.

Batiste said everything about the fit was perfect.

“It was close to home, but far enough for me to also spread my wings and grow as a person,” she said. “It gives me an opportunity to take stress off my mom financially, but besides from all that, Delgado is just a great school and I will be surrounded by great things being in New Orleans. I just felt the atmosphere will help me be successful in the future.”

As for the fit on the hardwood, Batiste said that will be seamless, as well.

Because of her versatility, she said that coaches have told her that she’s going to have an opportunity to play right away at the next level.

Batiste was a point guard for Thibodaux, but she can defend bigger players because of her upper-body strength. She also can guard smaller players, because she has plus-level footspeed and elite quickness.

“The coach did a great job really making me feel like I would be a big part of the team,” Batiste said. “He really loved my passion for the game and the way I hustle. He said he doesn’t mind diving on loose balls and I like that because that’s how I like to play.”

Batiste said now that her collegiate decision has been made, the challenge is to get in the gym and work hard so that she’s the best version of herself possible at the next level.

She said she’s putting in time every day to polish up some of the skills that she thinks she will need at Delgado. She’s also working hard to stay in shape so that when practices start, she will not need to play herself into top condition.

“I want to improve on my shot,” Batiste said. “I have a decent shot right now, but it’s just not consistent. I want to be in the gym every day for hours working to perfect it and make it deadly.”

Batiste said she plans to study criminal justice at Delgado, but if she doesn’t like that curriculum, she will adjust to become a coach.

She said that while she’s grateful for new beginnings at Delgado, Batiste also was quick to add that her time at Thibodaux High was the journey of a lifetime.

Batiste said she wanted to thank Coach Adams, her teammates and everyone who has supported the team throughout the past several seasons, adding that their passion is not forgotten or unappreciated.

“I’ve been playing varsity at Thibodaux since I was a freshman, so I got used to being there,” Batiste said. “I will always remember the crowd and the love for my city when I’m in a new city. But now, I’m just going to try and gain the same respect I had in Thibodaux out in New Orleans.”

BatisteCASEY GISCLAIR | THE TIMES

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