Point guard commits to in-state program
Hickory – Desta Trammell will play on.
The second-highest scorer in Robbinsville Lady Knights history (she finished with 1,950 points; April Holder recorded 2,005 between 1986-89), Trammell unveiled her collegiate plans on social media around noon April 11.
Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory will reap the benefits of acquiring the two-time Smoky Mountain Conference Player of the Year. The Bears went 24-8 last season and compete in the Division II South Athletic Conference.
“I just love the atmosphere; the school – as a whole – has a lot of spirit and everybody supports everybody there,” Trammell said. “I’m excited to play in that atmosphere.”
Ultimately, Trammell plans to obtain a degree in nursing and continue on to become a nurse practitioner.
As for when Trammell will make the commitment official, well ... the paperwork is literally in the mail.
“It’s going to be very hard (to juggle pursuing a medical degree and play college basketball), but my coaches at Lenoir-Rhyne believe it’s possible,” said Trammell. “I know they’ll work with me.”
A point guard like Trammell will not simply fly under the radar. She had interest from other institutions – four to be exact – and made trips to visit three of them.
Two of the schools were even closer to home than Lenoir-Rhyne: Mars Hill University and Montreat College. Columbia (S.C.) International University and the University of Rio Grande (Ohio) also tossed their names in the hat.
But here’s the lingering variable: Robbinsville is home; yet, Charlotte is where the heart is.
“I love the division and the location; it’s close to family, which is also a big part of my decision,” Trammell admitted. “I love the coaches; they’re super nice and very welcoming. I got to meet the team and scrimmaged with them, as well; it was a lot of fun. Everyone was really nice.”
It was the culmination of a lot of investment and return for Trammell, who set the state record for consecutive free-throws made between her junior and senior years at Robbinsville. Her run of 63 straight eclipses totals for girls and boys.
“Playing travel ball, I wanted to go somewhere,” Trammell said of her choice to join the Lady Royals, a team that today features multiple Graham County athletes who ply their craft during the offseason.
“Each school that showed interest in me were really good and had a lot to offer me. But when I went to Lenoir-Rhyne, I knew I needed to be there.”
The decision solidifies that the Trammell tradition of performing at the next level will continue. Her older sisters Faith (Mars Hill University, track & field) and Tacey (UNC-Asheville, basketball) laid the path.
“I’ve been away from my siblings since I was in the eighth grade,” Trammell pointed out.
“But even after most of them moved to Charlotte, my mom or dad would take me to travel-ball practice; Faith and Tacey would meet me at my tournaments or in Asheville; really, everyone would take turns taking me to practice. It made it easier for everyone and of course, I was still getting to play, so that was good.
“Lenoir-Rhyne is still close enough to where my mom and Nana can come; my granny and papa. We’ll all get to spend more time as a family.”