by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
Student-athletes are taking on leadership and followership roles at a younger age and continuing to make others better who choose to follow them. Following others is fine if you are on the right path toward living a good life.
Destiny Webster is a 6th grade student-athlete at Menominee Tribal School in Neopit, Wisconsin. She is a 5’5 basketball player.
“I am Menominee/Oneida,” said Destiny. “I reside with my family in Neopit, WI located on the Menominee Indian Reservation.”
“Humility teaches me to respect my role as a player, to show good sportsmanship and to make my people proud,” said Destiny. “Bravery helps me to find my inner strength and the courage to be myself. Honesty teaches me to be honest with myself and to recognize and accept who I am. Wisdom is my ability to use my inherent gifts wisely, it allows me to be a leader and live by my wisdom. With Truth, I show honor and sincerity in how I play the game. Respect reminds me to treat others the way I want to be treated. Love teaches me to love and be true to myself. I love my family and friends for all of the support that they give to me.”
Mom Beth Miller said: “Destiny and her siblings are attending Menominee Tribal School for the first time this year. The MTS principal, Lori Corn, said they were excited to have our children attend the Tribal School. Destiny earned a Citizenship Award for the 1st Quarter and is an Honor Roll student. She continuously demonstrates that academic excellence is a very important part of her educational goals. Academically and athletically, Destiny is a positive role model for her peers. Destiny had a strong desire to play basketball with the boys this year. Although this is not unheard of at some schools, this hadn’t been done at Menominee Tribal School but Destiny did not let that deter her. She continued to show up for practices and games, patiently waiting for the opportunity to play. When that time arose, she proved that she had the ability to play with the boys and earned her playing time.”
“Destiny has been playing up on teams for a few years now but she was also ready for the challenge to play up with the 7th and 8th grade boys and is so thankful for the opportunity she was given. She was proud to take the court with her two older brothers. Destiny pretty much plays basketball year round. Outside of school, she can be found in a gym putting work in. She plays point/shooting guard and she is comfortable leading her teams on the court. She does enjoy participating in volleyball and also demonstrates her ability in that sport even if it is for a short time. I am so proud of Destiny’s work ethic and all that she accomplishes. Her family and friends are always there to show their support and cheer her on,” added Beth.
“My dad, Dugan Webster, has taught me the game of basketball, has always been my basketball coach and instilled ‘mental toughness’ in me that makes me the player I am today,” said Destiny.
“Eric Hacker is the head coach at Midwest Force Select, my AAU club,” said Destiny. “Eric helped me to believe in my level of talent and to realize my full potential in the game I love to play.”
“Roger Wescott was my dad’s assistant coach at Midwest Force for the past two years so I have a lot of respect for him as one of my coaches,” said Destiny. “He is also an Admissions Counselor at UW-Oshkosh so he is also a positive influence for me in the sense that obtaining a college education is a very important goal of mine.”
“Anthony Cornelius is my 14U Basketball Coach for Team Wisconsin,” said Destiny. “I am thankful for the opportunity to play basketball at the North American Indigenous Games this summer.”
Team Wisconsin girls’ 14U Coach Anthony Cornelius said: “I’ve got the chance to know Destiny a lot better over these last couple months since meeting her for the first time last summer at indigenous games tryouts. I’ve known her dad since I was in high school so having that relationship definitely helps. I’ll never forget our first tryout, she had one ankle brace on and she ended up spraining her opposite ankle within the first 20 minutes of the tryout. Instead of crying or quitting she took her ankle brace off her other foot and put it on that hurt ankle. She finished out the tryout no excuses. That goes to show her toughness and love for the game. She leads by example, when girls see that type of sacrifice and commitment from one of your leaders it trickles down. I’ve been able to watch her play for Notre Dame when they are at the same tournaments as our Oneida Futurez as well. She is an excellent guard. She plays hard on defense, can shoot from deep, and I think the best part is how unselfish she is. I’m very excited for the games this summer, I think we have a great shot at bringing home the gold.”
“I am excited to travel to Canada in July and hope to bring home a gold medal this summer,” said Destiny.
“I am committed to playing AAU basketball for my fourth season with Midwest Force Select,” said Destiny. “I have also earned a spot on the 14U Girls Basketball team for Team Wisconsin and will compete at the North American Indigenous Games in Halifax, Nova Scotia in July 2020.”
Outstanding student-athletes provide advice for other athletes to be successful on and off the court. “I strive to be a leader and someone other players look up to both on and off the court,” said Destiny. “My hard work and dedication to the game of basketball are key factors in the level of my success. Also, continuously being an honor roll student emphasizes the importance of being a model student athlete my peers.
Photo Credit: Beth Miller
