Wisconsin Star Destiny Howell Chases WNBA Dreams

Howell's journey from college standout to professional hopeful highlights the challenges of transitioning to the pros.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:11am

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A vibrant, abstract painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic movement and raw athleticism of a basketball player driving to the hoop, with the player's face and jersey dissolved into unrecognizable splatters of paint, conveying the pure emotion and physicality of the sport.An explosive expressionist painting captures the raw energy and determination of a rising basketball star on her journey to the WNBA.Madison Today

Destiny Howell, a standout basketball player for the University of Wisconsin Badgers, is declaring for the WNBA Draft after a successful college career. Her story showcases the dedication and determination required to turn collegiate success into a professional opportunity, as Howell navigates the competitive landscape of the WNBA Draft and explores alternative pathways like international contracts.

Why it matters

Howell's journey represents the experiences of many elite college athletes who aspire to play professionally. Her story highlights the challenges of making that leap, from getting noticed by WNBA teams to securing a roster spot in a league with limited openings. Howell's perseverance and adaptability could inspire other young athletes pursuing their professional dreams.

The details

A standout guard for the Wisconsin Badgers, Howell was a dominant force on the court, excelling at scoring, facilitating the offense, and leading her team. After a successful college career, she has now declared for the WNBA Draft, hoping to turn her dream of playing professional basketball into a reality. However, Howell faces an uphill battle, as she is not currently appearing in any WNBA mock drafts, and the league's limited roster size makes securing a spot highly competitive. To increase her chances, Howell may explore opportunities to gain experience overseas before potentially making her mark in the WNBA.

  • Howell played four seasons for the Wisconsin Badgers, from 2022 to 2026.
  • Howell declared for the 2026 WNBA Draft on April 10, 2026.

The players

Destiny Howell

A standout guard who played four seasons for the University of Wisconsin Badgers basketball team, Howell is now declaring for the 2026 WNBA Draft in hopes of turning her professional dreams into reality.

Robin Pingeton

The head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball team, Pingeton recruited Howell to the program and helped develop her into a star player.

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What they’re saying

“Ever since I was nine years old, it's been my dream to play professional basketball.”

— Destiny Howell

What’s next

Howell will participate in the 2026 WNBA Draft, where she will hope to be selected by a professional team and earn a roster spot. If she is not drafted, she may explore opportunities to play professionally overseas before potentially making a push for the WNBA in the future.

The takeaway

Destiny Howell's journey from the basketball courts of Wisconsin to the WNBA represents the determination and resilience required to turn collegiate success into a professional opportunity. Her story highlights the challenges faced by elite athletes as they navigate the competitive landscape of professional sports, and her perseverance could inspire other young athletes to pursue their own dreams.