GCU senior overcome difficulties for massive growth
By: Paul Coro
The Grand Canyon women's basketball team arrives at the WAC Tournament this week as the conference's biggest surprise in large part because of its leader, senior Da'jah Daniel.
Daniel's basketball growth in two Lopes seasons is amazing even if there was no context outside of statistics, which show her going from a bench player for her first 15 GCU games last season to a two-time All-WAC honoree who is one of five players in the nation to rank in the top 30 for rebounds and field goal percentage.
But to get to where she is in basketball and life, Daniel endured difficult childhood circumstances to emerge as a graduating basketball standout with aspirations of being a pro player who eventually opens a facility for children in need of a safe haven.
"I've had a life that isn't necessarily great," Daniel said. "I've had to go through a lot and adapt to any situation to make it into a more positive situation. I've taken that and all the lessons I've learned in the past and I've been surrounded by a great staff of coaches and manager who have been there for me and made sure I have everything I need to succeed."
Daniel said she and her twin brother, Da'jon, were forced to grow up quickly as her mother endured difficult times. Daniel and her brother went from living in tight quarters with their mother in Oakland, California, to having a great aunt become their official guardian in Vallejo, California. Da'jah Daniel and Brad Langston
Daniel's godfather, Jamal Smith, offered to take her in for a fresh start during her senior year in Killeen, Texas, and he created her first highlight reel to promote her basketball recruiting.
"I fell in love with the game at the age of 7 and I just kept going from there," Daniel said. "I knew it was my ticket out. Growing up, I always said I wanted to play DI (Division I) but all the boys at school said I wasn't going to get there. My love and passion carried me here."
She received a chance at a Texas junior college power, Trinity Valley, but played a limited role with only 3.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-4 power forward's potential and passion was enough to draw Division I interest in Texas but she was GCU-bound the moment she visited the Phoenix campus two years ago.
"As soon as I got here, I knew I wanted to come here because of the environment," Daniel said as she sat in the GCU Basketball Practice Facility. "I love the school. The one thing that sold me was this coaching staff. They were persistent before I even knew them. All of the relationships were genuine."
Daniel needed that as she struggled dealing with her personal life and developing trust for the GCU people who were committed to her growth.
Amid last season, she had a breakthrough when she allowed herself to break down and open up to staff. Daniel shared what she has endured, past and present, and accepted the coaches' support.
"I'm just really proud of how she's handled things," Powell said. "Last year, she wasn't consistent with her focus and energy. Her growth on and off the court was awesome."
Daniel blew everyone away last season with her first career start, tallying 24 points and 22 rebounds against California Baptist after never previously recording a double-digit rebounding or 20-point scoring game at GCU.
The breakthrough and eventual All-WAC second-team honors, despite playing with a broken thumb, only encouraged her to work harder and set the bar higher for this season. She dedicated herself to in-season and offseason growth, often working out with assistant coach Brad Langston to expand her post skills.
This season, Daniel has averaged 11.6 points and a WAC-best 10.3 rebounds with a conference-best 1.5 blocked shots per game. Her 54.8% shooting ranks second in the WAC and 27th in the nation.
"I'm more proud of my mindset and staying in it no matter what's going on personally," Daniel said. "I've grown and feel stronger. I want to push way harder, especially in practice, when things aren't going my way personally. I want to be the leader my team needs even when I'm not 100%."
GCU often uses a 10-player rotation but Daniel is the only upperclassmen in it. Because of the youth, the Lopes were predicted to finish seventh in the conference by WAC coaches but placed second with Daniel at the lead.
"Nobody could've scripted this," Powell said. "Da'jah is the leader of our team. She's so impactful on the court. Everybody is drawn to her and respects her."
