Junior communication studies major Destiny Bannister understands the commitment it takes to perform at her best on the women’s volleyball team. She played two years of volleyball at Miami Sunset Senior High School, then chose to attend NSU in 2010 because of its academic reputation.
She joined NSU’s volleyball team in 2011, playing in 13 matches with a total of 31 sets and finishing with 25 kills and 12 blocks.
In 2012, Bannister came back with more fight than she had before. She played in 25 matches and played in 77 sets. with a total of 77 kills.
Bannister’s individual achievements include ranking fourth on the team with 36 blocks and second with 30 block assists. Last year, she had the season’s best eight kills at a home game against the University of Tampa, the South Region’s top team. Bannister also had the season’s best of five blocks.
This year, Bannister wants to go to the NCAA tournament and believes it will happen with this team. She said the team members stand by each other and are a very collaborative group.
This 6-foot-1-inch right-side volleyball player, who wears the number 13 on her back, is always eager to compete.
“My attitude, work ethic, dedication and ability to influence are what made me achieve the goal of becoming an athlete,” Bannister said.
I sat down with Bannister and asked her some questions.
What is your dream job?
To become a chief marketing officer for Universal Studios Orlando, or something in marketing. I am not very good with taking orders; I like to be in charge.
Give an example of a time in your life that your sport helped you get through.
Being able to stay focused in academics is very important because I am a student athlete; academics remind me that I have to keep my student role intact.
If you were an animal, what kind would you be? Why?
I would be a lion because I like to be in control.
What was the last movie you went to see?
“Grown Ups 2.”
What is your biggest pet peeve?
I have a lot — mainly when my personal space is invaded or when I get in the way of myself.
What are you looking forward to most this season?
Winning. Working together as a collective and collaborative group. We need to win. Winning is very important.
What has been your biggest victory so far on this team?
My biggest victory is the fact that we have a team like the one we have right now.
What do you see in the team’s future?
For the future, as in tomorrow, I see us staying together no matter what kind of condition we are in or no matter what happens.
