Since joining the team in 2024, Lobo guard Destinee Hooks has been an impactful starter for the University of New Mexico.
Hooks grew up in Indiana in a predominantly white neighborhood with two older brothers. Hooks was very active as a child, wanting to do everything her older brothers did, and because of that she was able to find her passion for the game of basketball.
“My family has always inspired me since I was little, my mom has the best work ethic that I’ve seen, she wakes up early, goes to work, comes back home and does everything she needs to do at home, takes care of us, and supports us and it’s really inspiring,” Hooks said. “My brothers also have a crazy work ethic as well, so if I can get (an) opportunity to make it to the league in a couple of years and retire my family that would be a big blessing.”
Hooks’ family makes an effort to watch and support her for every game; her oldest brother works a lot so he cheers her on at home, while her other brother makes the trip out to support her in person. Hooks’ mother actually moved to New Mexico to cheer her on at The Pit, and whenever the Lobos play in Colorado, Hooks has family there that cheer her on as well.
Growing up, Hooks was a fan of her hometown Indiana Fever, with her favorite player being Tamika Catchings. Hooks was also a fan of Maya Moore, and likes more present-day players like Rhyne Howard and Paul George, with George in particular being a player who she tries to “mimic” in her game.
In high school, Hooks had a very successful career, being named All-Marion County, Indiana Basketball Coaches Association second team All-State and winning Defensive Player of the Year in her senior season.
Hooks played her first year of collegiate basketball at Vincennes University, a place that helped her land here in New Mexico.
“The college is known for bringing people up and taking them to the next level, so Vincennes helped me a lot, it helped get me to New Mexico, so that was very helpful for me.” Hooks said.
During her single season at Vincennes, Hooks averaged 21.1 points per game, 6.5 rebounds per game, and 5 assists per game, helping her win Freshman of the Year, Player of the Year and Region 24 Player of the Year. This display of dominance is what got Hooks recruited to New Mexico.
Hooks was inserted into the starting lineup in her first year as a Lobo, starting 31 of the 32 games she played and averaging 15 points and 4 rebounds per game. A big reason for Hooks’ successful play comes from inspiration from her family.
Despite this being only her second season here at UNM, Hooks has already carved out a role as one of the leaders on the team.
“Being a leader, it’s a big opportunity, I feel I’m a person who leads by example, I just try to have the right attitude, the right mindset and approach to just go out there and work hard everyday,” Hooks said.
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Rodney Prunty is the sports editor for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @rprunty05
