FIYou: Desma Thomas Bateast

Name: Desma Thomas Bateast

Hometown: Miami, Fla., by way of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Job Title/Department: Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach, FIU Athletics

Campus: Modesto A. Maidique Campus

In a nutshell: My responsibilities include but are not limited to the coordination of all aspects of recruiting and retaining Division I student-athletes to this institution, assisting the head coach with on-court coaching, practice and game preparation, individual player instruction and development, monitoring student-athlete academic progress to graduation and mentoring.

Number of years at FIU: I’m starting my fifth season.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The opportunity to help mold and guide young people toward their life goals through sports and fostering a lasting bond that extents well pass athletics.

What do you think students and your fellow faculty/staff should know about your department?

That FIU Athletics is simply not just about sports. We all have a vested interest and desire to see all young people succeed at being great people on and off the competitive playing field. We want them to look back at their collegiate experience here with us and be able to truly say that it was one of the best experiences they had a chance to be a part of.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?

Camille’s, which is no longer located at the Rec Center. The people were very nice and the food was great.

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU?

That FIU is one of the best institutions in the nation, regardless of its age. We are truly World’s Ahead academically.

How is FIU “Worlds Ahead”?

Simply because of the diversity and vastness of different cultures that you have an opportunity to interact with on a daily basis. I feel that this atmosphere is indicative of what the “real” world truly resembles and FIU students have the opportunity to experience it before they head out into the workforce.

Family snapshot:

Wil Bateast, my wonderful and supportive husband, and daughter, Kayla Lee.

Word that best describes you: Driven.

First paying job: During the WNBA Inaugural Season with the Phoenix Mercury.

Favorite TV show: The Game.

What is playing on your iPod?

Interestingly enough, I do not own an iPod. Although I enjoy and listen to all types of music, I love R&B and gospel the most.

Your proudest accomplishment:

Being able to be a good wife and mother, while tackling everything that comes along with pursuing a career that I truly love.

What do you do when you are not working at FIU?

Having “family time.”