Three-time All-PacWest honors would be enough to make a memorable college career for any athlete, but for Daniel Esparza, that’s not what he’ll remember most from his time at Biola University.
THE PATH TO BECOMING AN EAGLE
Esparza started his college basketball career at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, playing there his freshman year before deciding to enter the transfer portal.
Transferring is never a simple decision, but Esparza felt a unique calling to Biola as he mulled over his future on and off the court.
“I got in contact with coach Holmquist, and I felt that coming to Biola was the best option for me. Basketball was a huge factor, but also the community and the Christ-centered atmosphere was a very big deal for me,” Esparza said.
A SPECIAL TEAM
In his three years as a Biola Eagle, Esparza achieved first-team All-PacWest honors as a sophomore and second-team All-PacWest honors in his junior and senior year. His talent on the court is immense and undeniable, but Esparza credits his teammates as essential to the success he has experienced.
“My time at Biola has been truly special. First off, the basketball part of Biola has been truly incredible,” said Esparza. “Every single season, the guys on the team were truly incredible to play with.”
Esparza has played basketball on numerous teams over the years and has experienced different atmospheres created by teammates. These team atmospheres are essential to how anyone plays, and Esparza had nothing but praise for his Biola teammates and the atmosphere they created.
“Every single season, every single player on our team got along and were great friends,” said Esparza. “The wins and awards were truly amazing, but the memories that will last forever were the time spent with my teammates. Whether it was getting food, going to the beach, or the tough practices, those are the memories that are going to last forever.”
SPECIAL SUPPORT FROM A SPECIAL SCHOOL
Esparza made countless memories on the court in his time wearing the Biola colors, but the relationships he experienced as an Eagle take the crown for these three years.
“The school has been truly amazing. The friendships that I have developed, along with the professors that I have been able to learn from, I couldn’t ask for anything more,” Esparza said. “The atmosphere of this campus is something special. It’s a place that I’ll never forget and will be in my mind forever. Being able to be around people who love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ every single day is something that you can’t take for granted. The Holy Spirit is thriving on this campus.”
Fan and community support is essential not only for teams but also for individual players to succeed. Esparza was fortunate enough to experience the beautiful effect that a great community can have on an athlete in his time playing basketball as an Eagle.
“The support that I would get from the students on this campus was truly amazing. I really appreciate how much the students love the game of basketball here,” Esparza said. “They were always supportive and really wanted to see all of us do great. We are truly grateful for that support.”
Esparza has played basketball at high levels for many years and continued to grow his skills at Biola, but his experience with teammates, friends, and professors made these last three years truly special.
“I’m truly blessed to have been able to play the game of basketball that I love for three years at Biola University in front of these fantastic students,” Esparza said. “It is one of the best places I have ever been a part of.”
