Face To Face With Varsity Basketball Guard Daniella Castellanos

Meet Daniella Castellanos. This guard is a starter for the basketball varsity team, and though she’s only a junior, Castellanos possesses a high basketball IQ on par with exceptional talent. And she’s only getting better.

“There are some parts of my game that I need to improve, such as shooting free throws at a higher proficiency,” stated Castellanos.

Since she was a freshman, Castellanos has played on the varsity team, but her hoops roots go even deeper, as she has played since she was in the second grade.

Castellanos has the offensive skills that causes nightmares for opposing defenses: play her too close, and she will slash her way to the basket (or get fouled in the process); conversely, if you play off of her and give her any amount of daylight, she’s equally comfortable in shooting midrange jumpers or from three point territory.

It’s easy to forget that despite her offensive contributions, she is also a sound defender who contains her opponent. And though she has great individual talent, she is also the consummate teammate.

"This team is much better if we're all scoring on a collective level. Everybody has to be contributing an equal amount, where the sum is better than our parts," she stated.

But Lady Aviators head coach, Brett Roscoe, recognizes and is not shy to state the individual impact that Castellanos brings.

“We rely on her for all the energy she brings,” remarked Roscoe during a pre-season practice. “The team feeds off on that, and it makes us better.”

When Castellanos is not playing basketball (which she admits is rare), she enjoys reading subjects based on science, and hopes one day to be an athletic trainer.

Castellanos acknowledges the support she receives at home as her primary source of motivation.

“My father really pushes me,” Castellanos explained. “He makes me realize what I’m capable of doing, even if didn’t think I was capable. He always makes me believe in myself.”