University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Spotlight: Daly Santana
10/23/2014 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Oct. 23, 2014
Daly Santana is in her junior year with the Golden Gophers. One of three upperclassman, the Corozal, Puerto Rico, native leads the team with 275 kills, averages 3.99 kills per set and 27 aces. A six-rotation player, Santana also ranks second on the team in digs. Among conference players, Santana ranks third in kills, points and aces. Here's a short question/answer session with Santana.
Q: You're holding a different work load than you have the previous two years. How big of an adjustment have you been able to go through this year?
A: I think every year I have been working to be physically and mentally prepared for the season, but this year required me to do a lot more mental work than I had been used to. My teammates and coaches are doing a great job of helping me out when I need it and I am working really hard to help this team in any way I can. I love it here and I love what this team is trying to do for the program and school.
Q: Minnesota is obviously a young team with three upperclassman and you've also had to bear some leadership roles on this team. What have you been able to do to lead this group?
A: I've been able to bring a lot of energy, although I don't think that is anything new. I think now I have learned to be consistent with my energy. I have learned how much positive energy can bring to a group of awesome people that are trying to make changes. Positive energy is one important thing you need as a team and I am happy I can bring some of that along with all the energy my teammates bring.
Q: The first two years you've used a jump serve and now you're showing people you've have an effective floater serve. Talk about having those two options as serves?
A: Well I do love my jump serve that's for sure. However, right now a floater is what the team needs from me so that is what I will do. I don't think you need a jump serve to be aggressive and that is what I am trying to do which is be aggressive with a new serve. I like how I can place it a lot better on the court, I can put the ball wherever I want and I also think I am a little more consistent.
Q: How has this coaching staff, how has the helped you improve your game?
A: The coaching staff is great! They have helped me in so many things and that's what I love about them. They have taught me not only about volleyball, but about life. As of my game, they have helped me to be more consistent in every facet of the game, but mainly on my mechanics. I have learned that if you get your mechanics cleaned up everything else gets easier. So that has been the main thing for me this season and the two things they have helped me improve this season, to be consistent and to clean up my mechanics.
Q: Dalianliz Rosado is now on the team, a fellow Puerto Rican. How long have you known Dalianliz and I hear your families have a connection?
A: Dalianliz and I have been friends for over 10 years. It's definitely great having her here, she is like my little sister. My mom and her mom have also been friends for a long time and I am very happy that we all have such a good relationship.
Q: Your dad was here and did a great job playing the national anthem. Talk about having him see you play collegiate volleyball and what you were experiencing when he played that national anthem.
A: It was a very emotional experience. It was the first time he saw me play live and I am so happy it was here at the Pav with such a great atmosphere. I feel like in a way it was a gift to all the awesome people that come watch our games. It was a way for us to say thank you to all the fans for being so great to me and to this team. As of for my dad and I and my whole family, we´ll never forget the experience. It was awesome.
Q: You're a youth studies major. What would you like to do with this degree?
A: I love what I can do with this major! I can do many things, but the one that I am interested the most is criminal justice with youth. I am interested to see what I can do to help people out there and what opportunities this path can give me.
Players Mentioned
Libero/DS
/ Volleyball
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