Daniela Ciriello inspires UConn women's basketball team

Daniela Ciriello, a 12-year-old girl from Plainville, is a devoted supporter of the UConn women's basketball team. She is part of Team IMPACT, which connects children with serious illnesses to college sports teams. Daniela struggles with a rare blood disorder called thalassemia that requires regular transfusions. Since being paired with the team in 2018, Daniela has been a valued member of the UConn family. She has traveled to many games and formed friendships with the players. In 2022, when UConn made it to the Final Four, the team invited Daniela and her mother to attend the games in Minneapolis. Daniela was thrilled and described the experience as fun and exciting. Recently, Daniela enjoyed attending the Big East Tournament games and sharing fun moments with the players, such as going pumpkin picking and making chicken nuggets together. She loves dancing and often teaches the players TikTok dances. Her favorite players include Paige Bueckers and Katie Lou Samuelson, who she admires for their competitive spirit. Daniela's mother, Nicole, says that the time spent with the team helps Daniela cope with her illness. Daniela receives blood transfusions every three weeks, and the weeks leading up to them can be difficult. Being with the Huskies allows her to escape from her struggles, even if just for a little while. Although contact sports like basketball are too risky for Daniela, she channels her energy into competitive dancing. She travels around the state to compete and feels a strong connection to the team. Daniela expresses her happiness in being part of the UConn community and appreciates the understanding and support she receives from the players.