SPEEDWAY HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS

Today we celebrate Daniella Galvez, a senior multi-sport athlete at Speedway High School. Daniella played an important role on the two-time sectional championship volleyball team, she is a valuable post player on the girls basketball team, and after two seasons playing #1 doubles in tennis, Galvez battled as the team’s #1 singles player last spring. Individually, Daniella has acquired some impressive awards up to this point. She was named an all-ICC Academic All-Conference performer for all three sports. She’s been named to the all-ICC team in basketball and tennis. In basketball, Daniella has been named a team co-MVP while also being awarded the team’s Most Improved and Mental Attitude honors during her career. Statistically, she’s won awards for best free throw percentage and most rebounds. “Daniella has been a dominant player for us for three years and will be this season as well, “ said varsity basketball coach Joe Smith. “She is a four-year varsity basketball player and has played in every varsity games since her freshman year.” “She will become the first player in school history this season to score more than 500 points and grab more than 500 rebounds in her career,” noted Smith. “She is at the top of most of our statistical categories, but what is most impressive about Dani is her personality and attitude about life. You will always see a smile on her face and she is alwyas upbeat. I admire that about Daniella.” “I am persistent in what I do,” said Daniella. “Failure or adversity never allows me to give up.” “Daniella has been an amazing asset to our tennis team since she started playing her freshman year,” said tennis coach Whitney Baker. “She was a dominant doubles player the first two years of her career and then smoothly transitioned to the varsity number one singles position her junior year. Her athletic ability and leadership led her to earning our MVP award last spring.” “We are so excited to see how Daniella does in her senior season!” exclaimed Baker. “She brings such a positive and kind energy to every practice and has been a great leader for our entire program.” Volleyball head coach Sadie Pflum also feels Daniella’s volleyball game played a role in her success on the volleyball court. “I attirubute her skill and passion for tennis most in terms of her volleyball development,” said Pflum. “She read the ball well and was always looking for tactical placement much like she does on the tennis court.” Why is Daniella so involved in athletics? For her it’s simple. “I have made some of the best friendships,” said Daniella. “It teaches me many skills like leadership, commitment, and perseverance. You have lots of fun and still learn.” Daniella has received a lot of support from family and friends during her athletic career. One supporter she has much admiration for is J.D. Clampitt. “He is a coach, father figure, and friend,” said Daniella. “As a coach, he has taught me that it is okay to to not be okay and to strive to be my best.” “As a father figure, he always looked out for me and always checked up on me,” noted Daniella. And as a friend, he made bad times into not so bad times by making me laugh about anything.” Daniella hopes to attend Purdue University and study biochemistry in order to enter a PA (physician’s assistant) program in the near future. “I tell everyone they should do what makes them most happy,” said Daniella. Never put yourself in situations where you are constantly unhappy. Happiness is key to life.” “I can’t wait to see what this season holds for Daniella,” said Smith. “But I am most excited about watching her grow in a great community leader in our town, state, and country.” The daughter of Carla Murillo, Daniella has an older sister Maria and two younger siblings, Antonella and Giordano LaRosa.