York Women's Basketball Player Balances Family, School, Sports an Ocean Away from Home
Our next feature story comes from Penn State York, and a continent away!
By Jeff Barkdoll, Penn State York Director of Athletics
YORK, Pa. - Desiree Garcia-Hernandez, or as we at the York Campus have come to know her by, “Desii”, has a very unique and interesting story. Desii grew up on an island known as Tenerife, in the Canary Islands of Spain. Desii jokingly states that many people do not know where this is – so she just tells people she is from Spain… much easier! Her childhood was difficult at best as she was not raised by her parents as difficulties at the time did not permit this, but having 5 sisters and 1 brother, she was only able to live with 2 of her siblings.
Desii has been playing basketball since she was seven years old. “I love this sport, and feel I always will”, said Desii. “When I’m on the court, I can escape from everything around me and that is what helped me overcome the stones that life put in my way.”
When she was eighteen, fate had it that she met the man who would one day become her husband. He had travelled to Tenerife on a missionary trip, to teach basketball and share the Word of God. Over time, she fell in love and decided to embark on a long-distance relationship. A year later, he proposed. “I will never forget it!” It was Desii’s first trip to the United States. “It was very special!” A year later, she was married in a ceremony that took place in her hometown of Tenerife. Desii enthusiastically shared, “The most perfect day of my life!”
Desii, along with her husband, settled here in the United States. She came with the hope to start anew and begin attending a university, as this just was not possible in her hometown. Suddenly however, Desii and her husband soon learned that they were expecting their first child, a daughter! Obviously, this changed Desii’s plans as her dream of attending a university began to fade, but nonetheless, she and her husband were happy with the life they were building. Two years later, a good friend noticed Desii’s natural talent for basketball, and told her she was good and should consider playing college basketball, and that she should really consider it and give it a try!
Her husband encouraged her and convinced her to “give it a try”. Her friend, happened to be playing at Penn State York and encouraged her to talk with Penn State York’s Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Tory Harvey. “Coach is the kindest person I ever met”, exclaimed Desii. “The way he supported me and worked with me was incredible, as if he knew me my entire life!” Desii and Coach Harvey continued to talk and eventually, with his guidance, began the application process and arranged all the documents needed to apply. “In a blink of an eye, I was enrolled in college… it was a dream come true!”
Well, as life would have it, after observing the team the previous season and working out with the team in open gyms, Desii learned she was then pregnant with her second child… and yes, another daughter. That did not stop Desii however, she continued pursuing her academic goals and working out with the team this fall in the mini workouts. Now, at 36 weeks in, and nearing the end of the semester Desii looks forward to the new year and being able to play the sport she loves so much. “My life has changed – a 360-degree turn – and now at 26 years of age, a husband, and two daughters, I am still chasing my dreams!” Desii remains confident that she will realize her goals, “with the support from those who love me, I know I will achieve it!” Desii concludes, “Penn State York is like a family to me already.”