Meet the Newcomers: Q&A with Delaney White
August 11, 2026 | Women's Basketball
#23 Delaney White
Year: Freshman
Height: 5-7
Position: Point Guard
Hometown: Burbank, Calif.
High School: Sierra Canyon HS
Major: Psychology
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: Freshman
Height: 5-7
Position: Point Guard
Hometown: Burbank, Calif.
High School: Sierra Canyon HS
Major: Psychology
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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