University of Minnesota Athletics
Santana To Play Professionally
1/27/2016 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
University of Minnesota volleyball standout Daly Santana (Corozal, Puerto Rico) has announced that she will continue her volleyball career with the San Juan Capitalinas. She could start her professional career as early as tomorrow, Jan. 28, in their match against Mayaguez Indians. She is scheduled to play with San Juan for the remainder of their season.
"I'm really excited to join the team and I'm looking forward to competing once again and seeing what doors open for me in the future because of this great opportunity," Santana said. "I'm very grateful for everything Minnesota has taught me while I was there. Thank you to the people who helped shape me into the person and player I've become throughout these four years with the Gopher Volleyball program."
The outside hitter saved her best season for her last when she led the Golden Gophers to their first Big Ten Championship title since 2002 and their first Final Four berth since 2009. Santana was named an AVCA First Team All-American, her first All-America honor as a Golden Gopher. In her final year with Minnesota, Santana was named the Big Ten Player of the Year after she led the league with 4.53 kills per set. On the season, Santana had 584 kills, 39 aces and 375 digs, all while she contributed 654.5 points. Named the Most Outstanding Player of the Des Moines Regional, Santana had 43 kills in the regional semifinal and regional finals when she averaged 6.14 kills per set.
A four-year, six rotation starter for the Golden Gophers, Santana amassed 1,644 career kills, 182 aces and 1,280 digs, all of which ranks in the top 10 in Minnesota school history. Along with her senior accolades, Santana was a 2014 AVCA All-America honorable mention, a member of the 2012 West Lafayette All-Region team and a 2012 Freshman All-Big Ten selection.
Santana, along with Gopher teammate Dalianliz Rosado, also played for Puerto Rico at the NORCECA Olympic Qualifying Tournament this past January where they helped their country to a bronze medal.
