Ute thrower Destanae Howerton-Davis has made the most of her time at Utah, and as that time is winding down as a senior on the track and field team, she cannot believe it went by so fast.
“People always told me it would come and go as quickly as you thought it would and it did,” Howerton-Davis said. “It happened in the blink of an eye and it’s over now. “
Originally from Las Vegas where she was a multi-sport athlete, participating on the volleyball and basketball teams in addition to being a part of the track team, Howerton-Davis felt right at home at Utah. She said one thing she will miss most about being up on the hill is the bonds and friendships she made while here.
“I came from a school where I was the only female thrower at the end of the season,” Howerton-Davis said. “Coming to college and having other girls to throw year round was something that was exciting and I never had before and I’ll always remember that.”
Howerton-Davis, who has broken numerous school records in her time as a Ute, said the transition from high school to college was difficult because she was not expecting to not excel at the same level she performed at in college.
However, despite that fear, along with other challenges throughout her time at Utah, Howerton-Davis believes all those experiences have helped shape the person she is now.
“[I had to overcome] mental blocks and college in general,” Howerton-Davis said. “I went from winning every meet in high school to college realizing that I’m not the best anymore and I’ve got to work for everything I get. It’s also made me a stronger person.”
While Howerton-Davis attributes part of her success to her coaches and fellow teammates, she is grateful to her parents who have been there every step of they way.
“My family [is always] backing me up 100 percent and always encouraging me,” Howerton-Davis said.
Howerton-Davis’ parents were able to attend her final home meet of her career at the Utah Spring Classic on Friday, where she won the women’s shot put. She may not have thrown the distance she wanted, but Howerton-Davis said is was nice to be at home for the last time, and especially with her parents by her side.
“It wasn’t the mark that I thought it was going to be, but I enjoyed myself, I had fun,” Howerton-Davis said. “My parents got to come out and watch me throw and we had a home crowd so that was exciting and nerve-racking, but exciting.”
Head coach Kyle Kepler said he was ecstatic she was able to perform well in front of the home crowd.
“She stepped up and did a terrific job,” Kepler said. “Just really proud of her. It’s exciting to see her do so well here today.”
With the Utah Spring Classic being the only home meet for the team, the Utes like to recognize their departing seniors halfway through the meet every season. Kepler mentioned that it will be hard to replace Howerton-Davis, in addition to the other seniors the team will lose at the end of the season.
“She’s just been such a hard-working kid,” Kepler said. “Very passionate, charismatic kid in our program and always giving her best.”
Howerton-Davis said even though it may be a cliché, her teammates are like a family and she does not know how she is going to replace them.
“You get new athletes every year and you encourage them,” Howerton-Davis said. “I think the best part of it for me was when I came, having girls to encourage me. Now seeing the younger girls come in and encouraging them. It’s a cycle and I’m going to miss them.”
Howerton-Davis is unsure of what the future the holds after her athletic career, and she doesn’t know whether to be scared or excited.
“[I have] so many emotions,” Howerton-Davis said. “Excitement, fear of what’s to come. I don’t know what my life is going to be like next year. [I’ve been] reminiscing on what it has been. It’s been a great ride.”
For the last part of the season, Howerton-Davis says she hopes to qualify for regionals in both the discus and shot put, and is looking forward to the end.
“[I’m] trying to throw far,” Howerton-Davis said. “I feel like I’ve finally gotten to a point where my technique is down, I’m still working on my quickness. Once I’ve got all my bases covered, I have a solid foundation, I’ll be ready to throw far. I’ve been waiting on it so hopefully it comes through.”
@kbrenneisen