DePaul University Athletics
Behind the Bricks-Cherita Banton
11/1/2011 12:00:00 AM | D CLUB
Nov. 1, 2011
Name: Cherita Banton
Sport(s): Men's Basketball
Years Participated:1997-2001
1. What does being a DePaul Letterwinner mean to you?
I am extremely honored to be a DePaul Letterwinner. Not only am I very grateful to be an alum of such a wonderful university, but being a part of the DePaul athletic family has been a huge blessing as well.
Through DePaul, I have accomplished many great things, from making history at DePaul, to writing for the Chicago Daily Defender, to even working for the Chicago Bulls. Without DePaul, none of those connections would have been made.
2. Why did you choose DePaul?
I chose DePaul because I wanted to stay close to home. I wanted to be far enough away from home to have the full college experience, but close enough to get back on my own whenever I needed to.
I also chose DePaul because I grew up watching the men's basketball team play. As a little GIRL, DePaul was one of my favorite basketball teams. I always saw myself coming to this university and somehow, being a part of the men's basketball program.
3. What was your favorite memory while at DePaul?
My favorite memory while at DePaul was becoming the first female manager in history for the men's basketball team to work in the office and sit on the bench. When I first got to campus, I told my friends that I wanted to work as a manager for the men's basketball team. They all looked at me like I was crazy. They said I couldn't do it because I was a female. They told me to try out for cheerleading because females couldn't manage men's basketball.
Against all odds, I marched right over to the men's basketball office and asked for my shot! That same day, I was added to the team as a manager.
4. What did receiving a scholarship from DePaul mean to you?
Although I did not play basketball for DePaul, I was still fortunate to receive some scholarship money during my time there. The scholarship helped with my tuition and books and made the financial part of my education less stressful.
5. What was your funniest memory at DePaul?
Taking my first ever plane ride with the men's basketball team. I remember being very nervous. The guys made my ride less scary and very funny. I sat in front of Ayinde Avery who shook my seat to demonstrate how the plan ride would go! After laughing so hard, I finally calmed down and enjoyed the experience.
6. Brief Summary of your life from graduation till now:
Graduated from DePaul with a Master of Arts in Writing. Covered sports for the Chicago Daily Defender, worked for the Chicago Bulls and just published my first book.
7. Is there a recent highlight that you would like to share with Alumni and friends of DePaul Athletics?
My first book, "For People I Know: Poems of Inspiration" is now available at several retail outlets, including Barnes and Noble.com, Books A Million and Wasteland Press.com. Also on my website, www.cheritabanton.com .
8. What advice would you give to a current or future student-athlete?
Go after your dreams! Don't let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. Defy all odds and keep pushing until you get to where you want to be.
Favorites:
Travel destination: Hawaii
Books: Chocolate Star
Author: Sheila Copeland
Movie: The Proposal
Sports movie: The Blind Side
Quote: Get a vision of how you want your life to be and play it over and over in your head until it starts to play back on its own. Cherita Banton
