Dear Freshman Me: Daneesha Provo

Dear freshmen Daneesha,

You made it! You made your dream come true of playing Division I basketball, but this is just the beginning. There is going to be a lot of blood, sweat and tears that you will experience throughout your career, but you can do it! Be thankful for this opportunity and continue to work your hardest every day in everything you do and always keep God first.

You probably don't know me. That may sound a little weird since I am you, but I think you would be surprised as to who you are at the beginning of your senior year. You are going to change so much more than you know. This is hard for me to write because it's not too long ago that I remember thinking about all of this. Finding your identity in Christ is so important. I am going to tell you two keys events that helped me find my identity.

Trust in Coach Roberts.

Coach Roberts is going to push you way out of your comfort zone no matter what. On the basketball court, she is going to ask more of you than anybody else. She sees the potential that you have before you can even fully realize it. Beyond basketball she is going to push you to be a better person. She won't just push, she will also give you guidance to help you become an intelligent and strong young women after you are done at the University of Utah.

You can't please everybody.

This realization continues throughout your college career. This will not affect who you are or how you act but it is still a hard realization. While this hurts at times, keep being you. Do not stop being real. Don't stop loving this game. You know exactly what you need to change to improve yourself. Know who you are in Christ and that you were created the way you are for a reason.

You're going to face a lot of different obstacles and adversity in the next few years. If I were you right now, I would continue to keep faith in God, in yourself, your abilities and most importantly trust the process overall. Don't hold back, always keep pushing forward because nothing worth having comes easy.

Time flies and your first basketball season will be over sooner than you know it. You will vow to work as hard as you can so the next season will be great from start to finish, no matter the adversity you might face along the way. This is also the time when you realize that you still have so much to learn. You will spend these next few years with a team you know nothing about, but those friendships you make will be the most important times of your college career. You will eventually get used to all the work you have to do in the classroom and on the court, but you will begin to enjoy the day to day routine of being a college athlete, even though times will be difficult. Sooner then you know it, you wont be scared anymore, and will be excited at the fact that you get to go out and play the sport you love with some of your best friends.

You will cry. You may never admit it- but you will cry at some point during your college career. It's okay! Have a good cry, dry your tears, talk about it, and move on. Learn from that failing test, paper or whatever it may be, and grow. You are never more than what you can't handle. You have the POWER to succeed! So, when you are a senior look back at the past and smile. Hold your head high. You have come so far, and accomplished so much and you should be proud. You too will constantly be boarding on to another life journey and another chapter in your own personal story.

I know it may seem like a lot right now, but trust me there are going be tough times before you get to the great ones, and those great moments you experience will come faster than you think. You will be questioning how you started so scared and end with great experiences that you will never regret. So, enjoy your time with the game and your last year. Learn the life lessons it gives you and grow from it. It goes by quickly. Love your dedication and it will love you back. Be proud and never doubt your talents. This game of basketball has allowed you travel to 16 different countries by the age of 22. This sport will always be your best friend and first love.

I am glad I was able to write this letter to you, Freshman Daneesha. It has not been easy reflecting on all the hard things that you will encounter, but it's also amazing to see how far you have come over these last few years. As much as I wish you could actually know all of this as a freshman, I'm glad you don't. Not everything is always going to be smooth sailing, but you learn and grow through everything, good and bad. Cherish this last year at Utah because soon you will be looking at your last one.

So never be scared to let your light shine, to turn the next page, to step out into the wild unknown. Wherever you go, there will always be someone rooting and there for you.

Love,
Senior You

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Completed Event: Women's Basketball at Eastern Kentucky on March 19, 2026 , Loss , 58, to, 72

Completed Event: Women's Basketball versus #9 Seed BYU on March 5, 2026 , Loss , 52, to, 70

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Completed Event: Women's Basketball at Arizona State on February 11, 2026 , Loss , 61, to, 71

Completed Event: Women's Basketball versus Iowa State on February 7, 2026 , Loss , 72, to, 79

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Dear Freshman Me: Daneesha Provo

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