DESTINY MATHEWS OF CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY (TEXAS), a graduate student on the women's basketball team from Palestine, Texas, has been selected the SCAC Character & Community Female Student-Athlete of the Week for the week beginning December 9.
The SCAC Character & Community award honors the efforts of student-athletes who excel in the field of athletics, and also serve their campus and community.
Destiny has only been at Concordia University Texas for a few months, and she has already made significant strides as a leader and teammate. A graduate student pursuing her MBA and a forward for the Women’s Basketball team, Destiny quickly earned the role of team captain. Her leadership, dedication, and eagerness to build relationships have helped her integrate into the CTX community and solidify her place on the team.
Destiny was drawn to CTX for its strong academics and welcoming environment. “I chose Concordia because of its academics, and the academic growth here is great,” she says. “After playing against Concordia for four years, I always liked the campus and the competition here. It felt like the perfect fit for my final year to play.”
Destiny has embraced her role as a team captain, working to build strong bonds with her teammates and lead by example. “Being older and having played for four years, I’ve learned how to handle challenges and react to different situations,” she explains. “I’ve gained the experience to support my teammates in the right way and help guide them through tough moments.”
For Destiny, leadership is about service and inspiration. “It isn’t about leading for yourself—it’s about how you inspire and uplift others,” she shares. “It’s how you carry yourself on and off the court, how you speak to people, and how you navigate difficult situations.”
Destiny’s drive to connect with others extends beyond the basketball court as she looks forward to investing in her relationships with her teammates and building mutual support.
Associate Athletic Director and Head Women’s Basketball Coach Matt Wallis has witnessed Destiny’s dedication to the sport and her team. “Destiny is improving her leadership skills every day,” he says. “She’s working hard to earn the respect of her teammates, and learning the importance of mutual support within a team and understanding that being part of a family or group means pouring into one another.”
In her short time at CTX, Destiny is refining her leadership style and becoming a role model for her teammates. With her commitment to leadership, personal growth, and community, she exemplifies the values of Concordia University Texas and is well on her way to leaving a lasting legacy.
