La Voz

Dacia Taleni, the center of the women's basketball team for De Anza College, drew the attention of various colleges in the area while still attending high school.

However, it was coach Arden Kragalott who made Taleni aware of the opportunities at De Anza.

"[Kragalott] showed me that she was interested both in my play and who I am as a person. She helped me realize that De Anza isn't only a sports-oriented school, but a school that has students focus hard on academics as well," Taleni said.

Her workload doesn't end at the basketball court: she attends De Anza as a full-time student, works full-time and plays basketball.

Taleni has played on the team ever since 2005, when Kragalott recruited her.

"She's a player that gives 100 percent all the time," said Kragalott. "She's very unselfish and likes to get everyone involved as much as possible. She's just a very intelligent player that makes great decisions in the open court."

Taleni's favorite part of playing for the De Anza team comes from the bond shared by the players.

"The chemistry with the team makes it a fulfilling experience," said Taleni. "Whether or not we lose a game, we are all here to cheer each other on."

Taleni's team spirit hasn't gone unnoticed by her coach. Kragalott says Taleni has been the cornerstone of the women's basketball program ever since she was recruited.

"She's really a vocal leader," said Kragalott. "She's great at keeping everyone on the same page, and just has a great understanding of the game itself."

Teammate Sharissa McDaniel agrees with Kragalott. "She's a leader in her own little way, and really can do anything anywhere on the court," said McDaniel.

Taleni has been playing basketball since the age of seven, she does not have a hard time remembering how she developed into the player she is today. Taleni claims she would have had a tough time with the game were it not for the support of her parents.

"My parents come to every game, they tape every game. They're basically my home coaches," said Taleni.

Aside from basketball, working full-time, and going to De Anza Taleni pursues other hobbies.

"I write and record my own music,"said Taleni. "I'd be a pro [athlete], and then I'd go on American Idol."

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