The Colorado Women’s Basketball team has welcomed 10 new players for the 2025-26 season, including junior guard Desiree Wooten. As part of its Newcomer Spotlight Series, the team is introducing both freshmen and transfer athletes to fans.
Wooten, who grew up in Dallas, Texas, described her transition to Colorado as a significant change. “It’s been a [big] transition. Texas– unless you’re in Lubbock or something, and I’m from Dallas– it’s all pretty similar. Rather than up here, a small town, a lot of mountains. It’s definitely different for sure,” she said.
When asked about her early athletic experiences, Wooten shared that she played several sports before focusing on basketball. “I was a cheerleader. I also did track, volleyball and soccer,” she said. She began playing basketball at age six after deciding cheerleading was not for her.
Wooten explained her decision to join the University of Colorado (CU) despite not initially planning to leave Texas: “At the time, I wasn’t really looking to go out of state, but Colorado is just elite. I like being here, the coaching is great. [JR Payne] and [Toriano Towns] show a lot of faith in me.”
She reflected on how being an older sister may have influenced her approach as a teammate: “I don’t really know because I spoil my sisters and my sisters just listen to me. I wouldn’t say it shaped me into a teammate. I feel like having different teammates each year that I play basketball with has shaped me into the teammate I am now.”
Wooten discussed overcoming injuries during her freshman year and the challenges involved in returning to play: “Man, that was a piece of work, for real. I had two injuries so I had to sit out for two years, not at the same time… The work I had to put in, it was a lot of rehab, a lot of weight room… The second one… coming back from that was a little easier than the first one…”
Regarding academics and future plans beyond basketball, Wooten explained why she chose anthropology as her major: “My major is anthropology and a minor in business… I’m into entrepreneurship. I want to own multiple clothing brands after the ball stops bouncing.” She added that difficulties with required math courses led her away from other business-related majors.
Wooten’s interest in fashion comes from personal experience working with family members who owned businesses: “I’ve only worked two jobs. I’ve worked under my aunt before… So I helped her with that but I just kind of knew I didn’t want to work with [anybody] and I like fashion – I like shoes and stuff like that…”
Fans can find more information about the Colorado women’s basketball team by visiting CUBuffs.com or following their social media accounts on Instagram and Twitter @CUBuffsWBB.
