University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Spotlight: Daly Santana
11/17/2015 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Written by Rachel Timmerman, Athletic Communications Student Intern
Daly Santana is a name volleyball fans recognize, and will remember after her time as a Gopher.
Santana, an outside hitter from Corozal, Puerto Rico, came to Minnesota in 2012, and took the Big Ten conference by storm.
Her accolades are endless. In her senior season, Santana leads the Gophers in kills, points, and service aces, and leads the Big Ten Conference in kills, and is third in service aces. She has also earned two Big Ten Player of the Week awards.
Once a shy freshman, she has developed into a confident leader as team captain.
"I started getting more into that role last spring," Santana said. "After last season, we weren't happy about the results, so that spring, we were like 'we have to figure out what it takes to not be that team anymore.
"So last spring, talking with the coaches and with my teammates, just kind of getting into that role more and trying to be the best I could be for this team. Overall, I guess my role and this team has allowed me to become a better leader."
Santana said this team has a notable change in chemistry compared to last seasons.
"The connection is different than other years, and I think that has allowed us to be an even more competitive team," Santana said. "It's just how united we are that gives us a little edge over the other teams."
On the court, Santana uses her leadership role to help keep the team composed. "For the most part, I try to keep us connected, try to not let us think too much about what's going on," Santana said. "One of the good things of this team is it's not just me. Yeah I'm the captain, but this team is full of leaders."
Besides her leadership skills, Santana said she has become more patient, and cut down on her hitting errors compared to last season.
"I think I've become more consistent, kind of a smarter player," Santana said. "I keep the ball in a lot more than last year I would say. That was my goal coming into practices, find a way to get the ball in anyway I can. That helped me a lot, just waiting for the right moment."
Her season with the Gophers is quickly coming to an end, but she is making the most of every second.
"I have this habit now of reminding myself before I step onto the court that this is the last time I'm playing this team, for example," Santana said. "It gives me that little reminder that I won't have this next year. I just come out and compete as hard as I can, and I just want to help my team in any way I can."
Helping her team to a No. 3 ranking, the best since the 2009 season, she'll be able to extend her senior season into the post-season.
"I'm really happy about how we've done so far, but obviously we're not done yet," Santana said.
Our @LisaByington talks with @GopherVBall's Daly Santana about the big win over Penn State and more! https://t.co/Tpho7kscib
- B1G Women's Report (@BTN_Women) November 17, 2015
