Dante Conley-Leonardi '20 Recruiting Profile

I have been playing basketball since I was a little kid, and my dad was my coach.  But it was not until sixth grade, that I truly grew to love the sport.  The transition happened because…  I have known for a long time that I will never play in the NBA.  However, that has not put a dent in my drive or my sport-related goals for the future. I always have a new goal. 

I am truly blessed in that I have wonderful coaches, teachers and parents who support my dreams and encourage me. I realize how privileged I am and that precious few of my teammates and competitors are as lucky as me.  This gratitude is why I combine my love for basketball and helping kids by tutoring and mentoring them through Steady Buckets and my AAU team.  I love helping my teammates become the best players and—more importantly–humans they can be as I grow myself through a shared struggle.  I think my coaches recognize that and that is why I have the honor, privilege and responsibility of serving as captain of both my AAU team and high school varsity team.  I want to continue this integration of basketball and life lessons in college.  Being a part of collegiate basketball would fulfill a lifelong dream and assure me that I am still on the path of learning through dedication, hard work, and commitment to a vision for my future.