University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Gophers in the Pros: Daly Santana
4/12/2018 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Daly Santana played for the Golden Gophers from 2012-15 and made her mark on the program. Becoming the first Golden Gopher to be named the Big Ten Player of the Year in over a decade, Santana also garnered First Team All-America honors. Leading the team to a Big Ten title and a NCAA Final Four berth, Santana established with 1,644 career kills. Following her collegiate career, Santana went to play professionally in her homeland of Puerto Rico and in 2016 played in France. She just completed her third year of professional volleyball where she played in Italy, with former Gopher Hannah Tapp for the first half of the season. We caught up with Santana just after her season.
GopherSports: You decided to make the move into the Italian league. What went into that decision and how was the transition?
Daly Santana: Since I started to play volleyball, one of my main goals was to play in Italy. My parents loved the idea, loved the place, loved the fact that their dream became my dream and we all worked towards that my whole career. Once the opportunity presented itself, it was an easier decision for us. The transition was definitely challenging, the Italian league is one of the strongest in the world, but I was very motivated to compete and get better at the next level. I am proud of what I've learned so far and excited of whats to come.
GS: You played with former Gopher and teammate Hannah Tapp for a few months before her injury, was it nice to have that connection on the team?
DS: It was amazing having her there with me. Being in the same team made it easier for us to make the transition to the Italian league and the Italian lifestyle. We used all the things we learned in Minnesota to adapt to any and all situations through the season. We supported each other and it felt like being back in the Gopher family. I'm grateful we had this opportunity and I hope it repeats itself in the future!
GS: Talk a little about your season and what did you learn this year?
DS: Our season was one of many ups and downs, but thats sports! Sometimes it goes really well, sometimes you struggle personally or as a team and you just get better and that's it. It was all about getting better one day at a time, focusing on bringing our best day in and day out. I think as season went on the more we got better as a team and in all phases of the game. That's always a win no matter what, its all you can hope for, that you and your team are moving forward and improving constantly.
GS: Off the court, how was Italy and what were some of the best parts about being in a different country?
DS: Off the court on our free time, I'd mainly visit the center of Florence as I lived about 45 minutes from it. It was absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. I loved all about it; food, art, the people and all the things it taught me. I genuinely believe it changed me in a positive way and I am very grateful I had this opportunity. When I had the chance, I also visited other cities like Rome, Pisa and Venice! Overall one of the best experiences I've had in my career.
GS: It looks like your family got to see you play in person this year. Talk about having them visit you this season.
DS: My parents LOVED being a part of my experience. They waited so long for that very moment, guided me through the volleyball world my whole life. Stood by my side through the whole process of becoming a volleyball player in club, then high school, then playing for my country, becoming a Gopher, and finally becoming a professional. For them, it was the moment they knew more than ever that all the work done was worth it! I am living my dream and they couldn't be happier to be a part of it and have experienced in person what my life is all about now.
GS: Minnesota is currently going through the spring season. What advice do you have some some currently on the team as they compete this year?
DS: I'd say keep working hard, keep enjoying what you're doing and the environment you are in. This preparation - inside and off the court, will be what guides you through every experience after college. So learn a lot, grow a lot, and have fun.