DANIEL WALTZ. 18. SENIOR. BASIS Flagstaff.


As he takes to the court for his final season with BASIS Boys Varsity Basketball, senior Daniel Waltz is not just an athlete but a young man with a passion for learning and a desire to bring people together.


Off the court, Daniel can be found with his nose in a book, always seeking new knowledge and perspectives. “There are so many good – and bad – books out there, and I can learn plenty just from the lessons in the books,” he shared.


For Daniel, basketball is not just about winning but about the excitement of facilitating a great play.


“The best part of basketball is when you can be part of an incredible play. I don’t need to score; just facilitating a pass into a fast break or a 3-pointer is exhilarating,” he said.


Basketball has also taught Daniel the importance of staying calm under pressure and working through challenges. “Working through contested layups and rebounds, basketball taught me just that,” he said.


As with so many people around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on Daniel’s life.

“Living through COVID taught me to appreciate all the activities I still can do, basketball being one of them,” he said.


Looking beyond the basketball court, Daniel is focused on bridging divides and increasing cooperation in the world.


“So many problems in this world come from divides in beliefs, reasoning and actions,” he said. “Bridging those gaps and getting people to cooperate with each other wouldn’t magically cure everything, but it would be a step in the right direction.”


While his nickname on the basketball court is “Jesus,” a nod to his long hair more than his miraculous skills, Daniel’s guiding principle in life is understanding.


“The most important way I live my life is to understand what’s around me. It’s not just the people or the world around me, but how they relate to my own actions,” he said.


For those just starting out in basketball or any new endeavor, Daniel advises being present and putting in the work.


“Show up to practices and games, practice on your own. The best way to learn is through experience; you don’t get that without being there,” he said.


As he reflects on his life, Daniel is grateful to his parents for introducing him to sports at a young age. “I’ve played a lot of different sports over the years, and this has given me skills and lessons that bleed into all other team activities – and life,” he said.


As Daniel takes his final steps on the BASIS basketball court, it is clear that he has already made a lasting impact on the game and the world around him.


“I hope I can look back one day and smile upon what I’ve done,” he said.


IN THE WORDS OF DANIEL WALTZ:

  • “There are so many good – and bad – books out there, and I can learn plenty just from the lessons in the books.”
  • “The best part of basketball is when you can be part of an incredible play. I don’t need to score; just facilitating a pass into a fast break or a 3-pointer is exhilarating.”
  • “Living through COVID taught me to appreciate all the activities I still can do, basketball being one of them.”
  • “The most important way I live my life is to understand what’s around me.”
  • “The best way to learn is through experience; you don’t get that without being there.”
  • “I hope that I can look back one day and smile upon what I’ve done.”