Meet the Newcomers: Daniela Falcón Hernández
October 25, 2024 | Women's Basketball
#9 Daniela Falcón Hernández
Year: Redshirt Freshman
Height: 6-2
Position: Forward
Hometown: Las Palmas Gran Canaria, Spain
Previous School: Utah
Major: Sociology
How did you get started playing basketball?
I was playing soccer first because my dad used to play soccer, but we always watched basketball growing up so when I was 10-years-old I thought I would give it a try.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in basketball?
Probably Pau Gasol from the Spanish teamm, and my dad who was always like a coach for me.
Besides soccer and basketball, did you play any other sports growing up?
I did swimming and boogie board, which is very famous on my island.
What made you pursue basketball?
I'm a very competitive person and I always wanted to be the best version of myself. Also, my dad never gave up when he was doing it, so I'm kind of doing it for him too.
When did you decide you wanted to come to the United States to play collegiate basketball?
Probably when I was 16 in high school is when I saw myself doing this for a longer time. I contacted an agency and they sent highlights to the universities. It was a long process, but it was something I wanted to do.
How was the transition for you in terms of leaving home and coming out here on your own?
It's hard having my family far, but we had moved from Spain to Germany so I was already used to being out of my comfort zone.
Why UCI?
The coaches and the culture. I also love California and the weather; it's like home.
Year: Redshirt Freshman
Height: 6-2
Position: Forward
Hometown: Las Palmas Gran Canaria, Spain
Previous School: Utah
Major: Sociology
How did you get started playing basketball?
I was playing soccer first because my dad used to play soccer, but we always watched basketball growing up so when I was 10-years-old I thought I would give it a try.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in basketball?
Probably Pau Gasol from the Spanish teamm, and my dad who was always like a coach for me.
Besides soccer and basketball, did you play any other sports growing up?
I did swimming and boogie board, which is very famous on my island.
What made you pursue basketball?
I'm a very competitive person and I always wanted to be the best version of myself. Also, my dad never gave up when he was doing it, so I'm kind of doing it for him too.
When did you decide you wanted to come to the United States to play collegiate basketball?
Probably when I was 16 in high school is when I saw myself doing this for a longer time. I contacted an agency and they sent highlights to the universities. It was a long process, but it was something I wanted to do.
How was the transition for you in terms of leaving home and coming out here on your own?
It's hard having my family far, but we had moved from Spain to Germany so I was already used to being out of my comfort zone.
Why UCI?
The coaches and the culture. I also love California and the weather; it's like home.
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