bio
Originally from New Jersey, and recent NEVBC parent, Daniela grew up as a multi-sport
athlete. While attending Rutgers University, she earned a varsity letter in Division I
Volleyball, Basketball, Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor track, within her 4 years as
an undergraduate. Volleyball being her favorite sport, she continued after college to
play open beach volleyball with the Jersey Shore Volleyball Association (JSVBA) every
summer. During that time, she proceeded to incorporate sports into her career as she
earned a Masters and Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy with a specialty in Sports
Medicine. Her education led her to Connecticut where she played grass tournaments
during graduate school and met her future husband, Jim. Following graduate school,
she owned her own sports medicine physical therapy practice in Wilton.
After their 3 children, Robert, Gabriela and Emily, had the ability to walk, talk and run,
Daniela coached them in multiple sports, but recognized a void of recreational offerings
in the community – no starter volleyball program. She chose to work with the local
Parks and Rec, Middle School teachers, and letter-winner alumni from her Alma Mater,
Rutgers, to create a curriculum and coach beginner athletes to learn the basics of
volleyball. With that, she had the opportunity to teach all 3 of her children the sport she
loved along with the kids from their supportive community in Southbury where she
continues to provide seasonal programs for beginners.
Daniela values volleyball drills that reinforce fundamentals and she has always collected
motivational quotes that she uses, as needed, to inspire others. She currently is self-
employed, assisting several small businesses with bookkeeping tasks while satisfying
her medical interests with her certification as an Alpine Ski Patroller at Mt. Southington
during the Winter season and a First Aid Merit badge counselor for Scouts of America
throughout the year. All activities allow her to be with her family. While coaching she
uses her physical therapy knowledge to gradually progress athletes at their own growth
rate and visualize kinesthetic cues to modify their technique. Her main goal is always
consistent – to bring out the maximal potential of every player while being a positive
team contributor, these are valuable skills that will help both on and off the court
throughout life.