Antonita Slaughter is bringing her basketball talents to Drury University.
Slaughter played for the University of Louisville championship basketball team that went to the Final Four of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament. She added many points and rebounds to the team’s accomplishments. Soon after her career ended at the University of Louisville, she was drafted to the WNBA where she was later cut. She was offered many opportunities to play overseas but eventually took another route — which landed her in Springfield.
Q: After all of the great opportunities that were offered to you, why Drury or Springfield, MO?
A: Well, it was kind of a no-brainer. After turning down the offer to play overseas, I had a plan to get my master’s degree. To be honest, I had little time to figure things out, and I had received an email saying there was a job opening here at Drury. Basketball has always paved a way for me, but now I wanted to take things to the next level.
Q: You are originally from Louisville. Do you think you will get homesick? Do you think that will affect your work in any type of way?
A: I moved here with my significant other, which he attends MSU (Missouri State University) doing the same exact thing. So in a way, I don’t think I won’t get to homesick because I will have him. And I will be so busy I probably won’t have to think about going home.
Q: You will be the new graduate assistant for the women’s basketball team at Drury. Is that something out of your element? Are you nervous about this position?
A: Yes, I will be the grad assistant. My career plan is to become either a coach or athletic director. Something told me that this would be a great way to get experience for both. I will be at all the girls’ practices, games, and also handling the academic aspect of it as well. It will be more than enough experience for me, as I soon make a decision on what I want to do.
Q: How do you feel about the basketball program? What are your plans to help contribute to this outstanding program?
A: I believe the most important asset I would have to offer is my experience as a student athlete for four years at a Division I basketball program. I know what it takes to be great on and off the court. I can help the girls whenever they need it. Being this age, it’s a lot on your play, and I would be that guidance that they would need. They are winning program also, so it wouldn’t take much for them to evolve to my standards.
Q: You mentioned coaching and being an athletic director. Do you want to end up at Drury, or is that not an option?
A: Hearing about Drury’s many accomplishments, I would love to permanently be a part of the staff here as the head coach.
