Athlete of the Week: Daniela Sauceda

SANTA ROSA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — No obstacle is too big for Brownsville Veterans Memorial alum Daniela Sauceda to overcome.

Sauceda grew up in Matamoros, Mexico, where she learned the game of basketball. It took some time reach the heights she has, but her relentless drive to be the best turned into a full ride to Texas A&M-San Antonio.

It's the university's first year having a women's basketball program, but Sauceda said her decision to go there goes beyond the hardwood.

"I think it’s just a new chapter that I’m going to encounter," Sauceda said. "I think it's just going to shape me to be better, and I’m really thankful for Coach [Chris] Minner to give me the opportunity to be part of the team."

Like her basketball journey, Sauceda's life outside the game was not easy. Dedication has been a major role player in Daniela's life.

To make practice each week, Daniela has to cross the check point. Waiting in line can take hours, time Sauceda simply does not have.

She said, "Our practices start at 6:00 p.m., but I have to be here at 4:00 p.m. to practice before, so I wake up at 11:00 a.m. I have to be ready to go to the line and to see if I cross in time because sometimes, I don’t make it either way if I go five or six hours before."

Not making it across has never stopped Sauceda from sharpening her skills. When she is stuck in Mexico, she finds innovative ways to get work done.

That "no-quit" attitude caught the eyes of RGV Lakers Basketball founder Polo Sanchez. Sanchez saw Sauceda first play when he game planned against her in a showcase game.

Sanchez grew up in similar circumstances as Sauceda, making it a no-brainer to invite her to play for his team.

"For her to do whatever it took from Mexico, Matamoros, to the bridge, to find a way over here, it shows volumes of what she wants," Sanchez said. "I’m not close to her. I’m easily an hour away."

Aside from dedication, Sauceda's drive to be the best has gotten her to where she is today. The thought of someone outworking her fuels her fire every time she trains.

Above all, her love for the game is what keeps her going.

I’ve always thought that there’s someone behind me that wants to be better than me," Sauceda said. "If I don’t work harder than them, they’re gonna catch up to me, but I love it [basketball] and keep going."

Sanchez added, "She willed it herself. I just led the way, and she did all the work."