Player Profile: Rachel Danielson, Kane

D9Sports.com/EYT Media is doing a series of player profiles on returning high-school athletes this summer. The year in school listed by the athlete is the year the athlete is entering this fall.

(Submitted photo. Photo by Tessa Boschert)

RACHEL DANIELSON – JUNIOR – KANE

Daughter of: Rodney and Anita Danielson
Sports Played: Volleyball and softball
Family Members Playing/Played Sports: Her dad played basketball at Kane. Her mom was a cheerleader at Kane.
2017-18 Highlights: She saw an increase in her strikeout pitching for Kane this year to 29 in 28 ⅔ innings of work. She was also a member of the Lady Wolves District 9 Class 2A volleyball team.
Post-High School Plans: She would like to become a physical therapist, and she would definitely like to play college sports if she got the chance.

Q&A With Rachel Danielson

D9Sports: What is your favorite sport to participate in and why?
RD: Softball is my favorite sport to play because I’ve played it ever since I was younger. I’ve started to play more including travel ball which has given me more experience. Softball is a fun sport to me and I enjoy playing.

D9Sports: What is your favorite memory, moment, game from playing high school sports?
RD: My favorite memory from my high school career so far was being able to start for the Lady Wolves as a pitcher in my freshman year. It was one of the greatest experiences for me and it gave me an idea of what was to come in the rest of our season and the rest of my high school career. My favorite game I played in was this season when we beat Johnsonburg and I pitched a full game.

D9Sports: Why do you play high school sports?
RD: I play high school sports because it gives me more experience in playing the game. It helps me to learn more about softball and it’s just fun. I have so much fun playing softball, and I enjoy playing with my friends and teammates. Playing high school sports has brought me many new friendships.

D9Sports: Who has had the most influence on your athletic career and why?
RD: I believe my parents have had the most influence on my athletic career. Both of them have been there to push me through the many struggles I’ve had. My dad has helped me to become a better player, and my mom has always been in the stands to cheer me on.

D9Sports: Do you remember the first sport you played and did you like it right away or did it grow on you?
RD: The first sport I played was soccer and no I did not like it at first. I just never cared for it.

D9Sports: Do you have a favorite number for a uniform? If so, what is the story behind that number?
RD: My favorite number for a uniform is 16. I’ve had that number for a while and 16 is my “lucky” number.

D9Sports: What would someone who doesn’t know you be surprised to find out about you?
RD: I competed in the Junior Olympics for jump rope and went to nationals twice taking home seventh place in Houston, Texas.

D9Sports: If you could eat dinner with anyone famous (living or dead) who would it be and why?
RD: If I could eat dinner with anyone famous it would without a doubt be Jennie Finch. She has been my favorite softball player and an inspiration to me.

D9Sports: Iphone or Android or Neither and why?
RD: I prefer iPhone over anything. I’ve only ever owned an iPhone and it has yet to disappoint.

D9Sports: What is your go-to Social Media and why?
RD: My go-to social media would have to be Snapchat. It’s how I talk to all of my friends, and I get to keep in touch with out of town friends I don’t get to see very often.

D9Sports: What do you like most about high school and why?
RD: What I like most about high school is having all of my friends with me and making memories together.

D9Sports: What do you like least about high school and why?
RD: What I like least about high school is sitting all day long.

D9Sports: What question do you wish I would have asked you? And what is the answer to it?
RD: What kind of influence have your coaches had on you? All of my coaches have had a great influence on me from when I started playing softball in little league with my coach Derek Kreitzer. My high school coaches including coach Judy Kessler, Pat Tigani, Ike Walters and Gary Johnson have all taught me many valuable things that will stick with me forever.