Destinee Hooker to forgo final year of track and field eligibility

Press Release Courtesy: University of Texas Athletics

Four-time National Champion will play professional volleyball.

AUSTIN, Texas – University of Texas All-American high jumper Destinee Hooker (San Antonio, Texas) has elected to forgo her final season of track and field eligibility to pursue a professional volleyball career.

Hooker, a two-sport All-American on the Forty Acres, leaves Texas as one of the most decorated athletes in Longhorn history. On the track, Hooker claimed four individual national titles, six All-America honors and six individual Big 12 titles. She also set school and NCAA records in the indoor high jump (6-6, 1.98m) and tied the UT outdoor high jump record (6-4.75/1.95m).

“We’re very happy for Destinee and wish her all the best in her career,” University of Texas Women’s Track and Field head coach Beverly Kearney said. “We’re going to miss her, not only for the points she scored, but for the leadership and maturity she brought to the team. We’re so happy for her and all the great performances she has had at Texas, but this is so much more for her.”

Hooker, the 2008-09 Big 12 Female Athlete of the Year, also led the Texas Volleyball team to back-to-back NCAA Championship Semifinals appearances, including a trip to this year’s NCAA Championship match against Penn State. On the court, Hooker was a three-time AVCA All-American, four-time All-Big 12 First Team selection, the 2009 Big 12 Player of the Year and two-time Honda Award finalist.

“We are very excited for Destinee,” University of Texas Volleyball head coach Jerritt Elliott said. “She had a tremendous four years here, learning the game and growing as a player. Now she is able to take the next step in an incredible volleyball community. I know she will continue to improve and I’m excited about the possibility of her competing for a U.S. roster spot for the 2012 Olympics.”