BIRMINGHAM – Despite the women’s basketball season start date being pushed to November 25, there is much to be excited about in Birmingham as the UAB women’s basketball team welcomes seven newcomers to the roster for the 2020-21 season. UABSports.com continues to introduce you to the new Blazers and provide unique opportunities to get to know these new faces.
Today’s ‘Meet the Blazers’ profile features a freshman guard, Caitlynn Daniels.
The Daniels File
Number: 4
Position: Guard
Height: 5-7
Hometown: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
What is your favorite thing about Cedar Rapids?
CD: “My favorite thing about my hometown is that it’s not super big so you get to know everyone, and everyone is there to support each other and it’s a really nice community to be involved in. I could tell you every school in the area and most of the people at them, everybody just knows everybody.”
When did you start playing basketball and why?
CD: “I started playing basketball in second grade, when I was like eight or nine. I honestly think my parents just signed me up. My brother played sports too, so we were always competitive growing up.”
Do you have a favorite basketball player?
CD: “I really like Jayson Tatum because of his style of play and how he plays, I don’t necessarily care about his team.”
What is your favorite basketball memory?
CD: “Probably my freshman year of high school when we advanced the farthest in the state tournament. We made it to the semifinals and getting to play with the older girls at the time was really fun.”
Did you play any other sports growing up?
CD: “I played soccer all throughout high school as well as basketball. I was a center midfielder in high school, which is kind of like the point guard in soccer. It definitely kept me in shape for basketball because you run a lot as a midfielder, my mom showed me a study that said something like six miles per game. We won the state championship in soccer my junior year.”
You wear number four, why did you choose that number?
CD: “I chose number four because it has been my number throughout my whole playing career. I originally chose it because it was my brother’s number, so it was more of a family number that I wanted to carry on.”
Why did you choose UAB?
CD: “Mainly because of the coaching staff. It is 12 hours away, so I obviously didn’t choose it because it was close to home, but they made it feel like home. When I came on my visit everyone had something good to say about UAB and the staff. Also, Coach Norton is from Iowa so there was that connection there as well.”
Do you have any siblings? What are their names and how old are they?
CD: “I have one brother, Zach, he is 23? Either 22 or 23, I’m not sure but I think he’s 23. He played baseball at Iowa and now is in the Atlanta Braves organization playing in the minor leagues. They didn’t get to have a season this year unfortunately due to COVID. Also, he is 23 I just did the math in my head.”
Do you have any pets?
CD: “I do not have any pets. I wish I did. I want a dog, I used to have one and he was so cute. I’d like another dog.”
Who is your biggest inspiration?
CD: “Probably my aunt on my mother’s side of the family, she passed away from kidney cancer last year. Also, my friend who just beat cancer.”
Do you remember what you wanted to be when you grew up?
CD: “I actually was just talking to Maddie (Walsh) about that the other day because my mom posted a photo on Facebook. I wanted to be a Pizza Hut waitress. I’m dead serious. I was looking to do big things at Pizza Hut. It was my favorite place to eat so I just thought it would be cool to work there.”
What do you want to be now?
CD: “I am honestly not sure right now. I am majoring in business, but I am not exactly sure where I want to go with that at the moment.”
What did you do during quarantine?
CD: “I did a lot of rehab on my knee. Other than that, I just went to the gym and tried to see people, responsibly socially distanced of course, because I was about to move 12 hours away. I watched a lot of Netflix too.”
What is your favorite TV show to binge watch?
CD: “Friends, Criminal Minds or Grey’s Anatomy. They took Friends off Netflix though, sadly, but I have probably watched it 10 times.”
What do you like to do in your free time?
CD: “Basically, just hang out with friends and family when I get the chance. I do like to go outside when it’s nice out or go to the pool. I laid out a lot during quarantine, but you can’t tell now because I am really pale.”
Who is one artist you want to see in concert the most?
CD: “Right now, probably Morgan Wallen or Luke Combs.”
If you could have any actress play you in a movie about your life who would it be?
CD: “I think Jennifer Aniston, but when she was younger, obviously.”
If you could live anywhere in the world where would you live?
CD: “I would probably choose Hawaii. I have been there once, and it is seriously the best place I have ever been. It’s so pretty and there is so much to do.”
What is your favorite book?
CD: “That’s so easy, my favorite book is The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks. Emily Frasco has my book right now and I am a little on edge about it because I need it back.”
What are you looking forward to most in your first basketball season at UAB?
CD: “I’m looking forward to getting closer with all of my teammates and coaches on and off the court as well as just playing basketball again!”
Make sure to check @UAB_WBB on Twitter and UAB_wbball on Instagram all week for more on Caitlynn Daniels.
Secure your women’s basketball season tickets by purchasing the 2020-21 Gold Card for $65 here. The Gold Card is an exclusive offer that grants you admission into all women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, baseball and softball events for the upcoming academic year. Contact the UAB Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1 for more details.
For more information on the UAB women’s basketball team, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_WBB) and Instagram (UAB_WBBall).
