Oct. 19, 2016
By Anna Pitingolo, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - With the start of the new season approaching, the Lady Lions have familiar faces coming back to team. Amongst those faces are new ones, too, with two freshmen added to the roster.
However, there is one more face in the crowd that fans may not recognize, but she's been on campus getting ready for her blue and white debut.
De'Janae Boykin arrived in Happy Valley at the beginning of 2016 when she transferred from UCONN. She didn't play at all her freshman year due to an injured foot, but since transferring to Penn State she's been able to get back to 100%.
Having transferred in the middle of the season, Boykin has been able to integrate herself into the team over the last year. She's been able to workout with the team and get acclimated to the program.
"I just think being here since January has brought me closer to the girls," Boykin said. "I know last year the team was kind of different and just me being a part of the team is very new and very different but this year I'm excited to fully be a part of the team."
When Boykin, from Springdale, Md., was looking for potential landing spots once she decided to transfer, it was Penn State's head coach Coquese Washington who caught her eye.
"Coach Washington and the entire coaching staff really sold this place to me," Boykin said. "And Penn State is actually closer to home for me, it's only three hours away and it's family oriented. So with all that, I knew I wanted to play here."
Boykin boasts an impressive resume thus far in her career. She was a McDonald's High School All-American in 2015 and has won three international gold medals with USA Basketball since 2013, including one at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games. Boykin also was a participant in the inaugural Jordan Brand Classic.
Having missed last season, Boykin is eager to get on the court with her new team. But while she can practice with no restrictions, Boykin won't be able to see any playing time until the spring semester.
"I'm excited to play with this group of girls," Boykin said. "I'm excited for myself because it's my second year out so I finally get to play this year so I'm just looking forward to being on the court again."
Boykin and the Lady Lions will continue practicing the next week, before Boykin's teammates will take on Bloomsburg in an exhibition game at the Bryce Jordan Center October 30th, and then officially open the regular season at Drexel on Friday, November 11th.