Meet the Newcomers: Q&A with Delaney White
August 11, 2026 | Women's Basketball
#23 Delaney White
Year:Â Freshman
Height:Â 5-7
Position:Â Point Guard
Hometown:Â Burbank, Calif.
High School: Sierra Canyon HS
Major:Â Psychology
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Delaney White led Sierra Canyon High School to the 2026 CIF-Southern Section Open Division title. She earned All-CIF and All-Southern California honors, while also being named a McDonald's All-American Game nominee. White started her prep career at Oak Park High School where she was a three-time CIF Player of the Year and league MVP.Â
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How did you get started playing basketball?
I have five older siblings and a majority of them played basketball so I kind of grew up in a basketball family. I started very young and have just kept going ever since.
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When did you realize you wanted to pursue basketball at the collegiate level?
I would say my eighth grade year of middle school is when I started taking it more seriously. That is when I started doing AAU and getting into that competitive nature.
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Who has been the biggest inspiration in your basketball career?
Probably my sister; she's a senior in college right now at Harvard. We played together my whole life, and she was always by my side helping me along the way.
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How would you describe your playing style to fans who have never seen you play before?
I would say I'm more of a look for others first type of player; always trying to give out dimes. Then after that I'll shoot here and there.
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Why did you choose UC Irvine?
I ultimately chose UC Irvine because it's close to home for me, and with the coaching staff it felt like a home away from home. Also, it's a huge campus and there's so much to do here that you never get bored.
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What are you most looking forward to this season?
I'm excited to make new friends and have a bond with the whole team. Everyone is really nice and I already feel like we're starting to become a family, so I'm really excited for that.
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What is your favorite thing about Irvine so far?
Probably the access; there is everything you need here in Irvine like food, dessert, T-Mobile, everything.
Year:Â Freshman
Height:Â 5-7
Position:Â Point Guard
Hometown:Â Burbank, Calif.
High School: Sierra Canyon HS
Major:Â Psychology
Â
Delaney White led Sierra Canyon High School to the 2026 CIF-Southern Section Open Division title. She earned All-CIF and All-Southern California honors, while also being named a McDonald's All-American Game nominee. White started her prep career at Oak Park High School where she was a three-time CIF Player of the Year and league MVP.Â
Â
How did you get started playing basketball?
I have five older siblings and a majority of them played basketball so I kind of grew up in a basketball family. I started very young and have just kept going ever since.
Â
When did you realize you wanted to pursue basketball at the collegiate level?
I would say my eighth grade year of middle school is when I started taking it more seriously. That is when I started doing AAU and getting into that competitive nature.
Â
Who has been the biggest inspiration in your basketball career?
Probably my sister; she's a senior in college right now at Harvard. We played together my whole life, and she was always by my side helping me along the way.
Â
How would you describe your playing style to fans who have never seen you play before?
I would say I'm more of a look for others first type of player; always trying to give out dimes. Then after that I'll shoot here and there.
Â
Why did you choose UC Irvine?
I ultimately chose UC Irvine because it's close to home for me, and with the coaching staff it felt like a home away from home. Also, it's a huge campus and there's so much to do here that you never get bored.
Â
What are you most looking forward to this season?
I'm excited to make new friends and have a bond with the whole team. Everyone is really nice and I already feel like we're starting to become a family, so I'm really excited for that.
Â
What is your favorite thing about Irvine so far?
Probably the access; there is everything you need here in Irvine like food, dessert, T-Mobile, everything.
Players Mentioned
Point Guard
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