NEW ORLEANS - Every Tuesday, New Orleans Privateers fans will meet members of the 2024 volleyball krewe. This week features
Dayla Ward,
Alexis Belarmino,
Chelsea Daffin,
Buse Kocakaya.
DAYLA WARD
Nickname:
Day
Year:
Freshman
Hometown:
Mobile, Alabama
Birthday:
December 7
Previous school:
Baker HS
Go-to karaoke song:
"Party in the U.S.A." – Miley Cyrus
TV show you watched in entirety:
Ugly Betty
Favorite food:
Vietnamese
One word to describe you:
Funny
Why the University of New Orleans:
I love the vibe
What would you tell your younger self:
Be proud of yourself
What is your goal in life:
Become rich
Favorite thing about New Orleans:
Mardi Gras
One thing you can't live without:
My best friend: she is my other half
ALEXIS BELARMINO
Nickname:
Lexie
Year:
Freshman
Hometown:
Spanish Fort, Alabama
Birthday:
August 21
Previous school:
Spanish Fort HS
Go-to karaoke song:
"Burnin' Up" – Jonas Brothers
TV show you watched in entirety:
Gossip Girls
Favorite food:
Strawberries
One word to describe you:
Dedicated
Why the University of New Orleans:
I chose New Orleans because of the coaching staff, diversity and distance from home
What would you tell your younger self:
Be patient. Everything happens for a reason.
What is your goal in life:
To be involved in volleyball as long as possible
Favorite thing about New Orleans:
Culture and diversity of the city
CHELSEA DAFFIN
Nickname:
Puffs, Chels, Daff
Year:
Freshman
Hometown:
Mobile, Alabama
Birthday:
September 23
Previous school:
McGill Toolen HS
Go-to karaoke song:
"Girls Need Love" – Summer Walker
TV show you watched in entirety:
The Game
Favorite food:
Chicken Caesar salad, pizza
One word to describe you:
Competitive
Why the University of New Orleans:
I chose New Orleans because of the foundation of the program and proximity to home. Also because in New Orleans they celebrate Mardi Gras like in Mobile.
What would you tell your younger self:
Never give up and trust the process
What is your goal in life:
To be a role model to future generations and inspire people to be the best version of themselves
Favorite thing about New Orleans:
Mardi Gras
One thing you can't live without:
My family because they are always there for me when I need them and continue to support me in the things I do
BUSE KOCAKAYA
Nickname:
Buslay
Year:
Senior
Hometown:
Denizli, Türkiye
Birthday:
January 12
Previous school:
Barton CC
Go-to karaoke song:
"As It Was" – Harry Styles
TV show you watched in entirety:
Prison Break
Favorite food:
Sarma
One word to describe you:
Funny
Why the University of New Orleans:
I love the city and the environment of campus
What would you tell your younger self:
Be yourself and do your best every time
What is your goal in life:
To be a professional volleyball player and to get good job opportunities
Favorite thing about New Orleans:
Overall the city is lively and fun
One thing you can't live without:
Food because I love eating and tasting new foods
WE ARE YOUR KREWE
For 54 seasons, Privateer student-athletes have had the unique experience of wearing New Orleans across their chests. Like the city itself, our sports teams have been fueled by resiliency, grit, and the unquenchable desire to win. Our city also houses the nation's biggest celebration each year. And much like a Mardi Gras parade krewe, we are tethered to our community through pride, tradition, a culture of acceptance, and finally our commitment to show that New Orleans is a world-class city to live, learn, play and work. We invite you to become more involved with the only University that truly represents New Orleans all day, every day. Join #NOLAsTeam, We Are Your Krewe!
Visit UNOPrivateers.com/signup to stay connected and follow us @UNOPrivateers on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
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