Destinee Hooker’s unusual name receives a lot of attention, but the 25-year-old U.S. Olympic volleyball standout wants to be known for her play. She’s succeeding. Hooker scored 22 points and the U.S. women’s team improved to 3-0 with a three-set preliminary round victory over China. The top-ranked U.S., led by Hooker, toughed out a 26-24, 25-16, 31-29 win against the third-seeded Chinese in a possible medal round preview. The Americans may be a team of … wait for it … Destinee. Hooker isn’t surprised that her name is getting a lot of press at the London Olympics; she’s been dealing with the remarks since she was a child. She says it doesn’t faze her, though, as she’s proud of it. Destinee’s name was a result of severe complications at birth; she nearly died then, but pulled through, inspiring her dad to call his baby girl “Destinee.” As for the double E? “Since I was such a blessing, [my father] decided he wanted to spell it uniquely,” she explained to celebrity gossip website TMZ. “So I am thankful to be here and glad my Dad gave me the name.” We’re thankful as well. The Chinese team? Maybe a little less so.
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Destinee Hooker Leads U.S. to Volleyball Win Over China
