Current Lady Colonel senior volleyball player and former basketball player Deandra Walter is a two-sport athlete who lives a busy life handling both athletics and academics at Nicholls.
Walter, who was a member of the women’s basketball team from 1999-2002, currently is a member of the volleyball team.
In the 33 games she played this season, Walter is first on the volleyball team in attacking percentage and has 31 defensive digs.
Last season on the basketball team, Walter was sixth in scoring, third in assist, first in free-throw shooting percentage and second in three-point field goal percentage.
Throughout her college athletic career, Walter said injuries held her back. She missed a lot of playing time due to knee injuries, shoulder separations and ankle sprains.
“It is definitely a mental strain when you have to deal with your body not being able to do everything it needs to do,” Walter said. “It was a mental struggle for me, and I think the one thing that helped me through was my family and the people who believed in me and knew that I could recover.”
Despite having a love for basketball or volleyball, Walter said neither sport stands out over the other.
“I really don’t have a favorite. I just like to compete,” Walter said. “Anything I can do to help my school and team win is enough, and I just love to be out there participating.”
Walter’s daily schedule is usually full. This semester, she starts her day off by waking up at 7 a.m. and then gets ready for her first class at 8:35 a.m.
Walter’s classes last from 8:35 until noon. Volleyball practice starts at 1 and last until 6 p.m. After practice, Walter rushes to Galliano Hall Cafeteria and eats dinner with her friends and teammates. After dinner, Walter then focuses on studying from 7:30 until 9:30 p.m. After studying, Walter said it is nighty-night and time to do it all over again the next day.
Despite having a schedule that would make most college students moan and groan, Walter takes it all in stride and goes about her day with a smile on her face.
“It’s a challenge, but if you do something that you love, you will find a way to make it work,” Walter said. “It is definitely hard doing two sports and working out at the all the time, and you will get tired eventually. But if you have the will, you will find the way.”
Walter’s activities are not just centered on athletics and academics every day. She also works for the Upward Bound program at Nicholls, which provides academic tutoring, summer enrichment programs, cultural, social and recreational activities and assistance with the college selection process and leadership development opportunities.
Walter said her favorite part of working with Upward Bound is helping encourage high school students to attend Nicholls.
“I like working with the kids. Whenever they come to visit the campus, they like to talk to someone who is in their age range,” Walter said. “It’s a rewarding experience for me because I get to look at the challenges we have here and help convince them to come to Nicholls and build our student body.”
While attending Eisenhower High School in her native Houston, Texas, Walter reached the 500-point club during her senior season. She was also selected as a scholar athlete, and an all-District performer in volleyball.
When asked to think of an adjective to describe herself using the first letter of her first name, Walter said she would describe herself as determined.
“I am very determined and set on doing anything I pursue,” Walter said. “I am never going to give up.”