Dan DaviessDan Daviess

Dedication and hard work really do pay off.

Just ask DVC student Dan Daviess, whose passion and dedication to basketball and academic study netted him a full basketball scholarship to California State University- Stanislaus.

A 2008 graduate of San Ramon Valley High School, Daviess enrolled at Diablo Valley College that fall and joined the basketball team.

Why did he choose DVC?

“I wanted to attend a community college to save money for my family,” he said, “while at the same time, have the ability to play basketball and stay close to home.”

Daviess was a starter at the guard position for both his years at DVC (2008-2009 and 2009-2010). In his sophomore year, he was selected to both the first team of the All Big Eight Conference and to the Big Eight All Academic Team. He also was selected by the California Community College Men’s Basketball Coaches Association as the Northern California recipient of a $500 scholarship for academic achievement. That’s quite an honor, considering that out of more than a thousand players from the 93 colleges that compete in men’s basketball, only two players are selected – one from the north, and one from the south.

“Dan was a model student/athlete during his two years at DVC,” said his coach, Steve Coccimiglio. “He was very competitive on the court and committed in the classroom.”

Daviess majored in International Business, and earned his Associate in Arts degree. He will continue his major in International Business/Business Operations at Cal State Stanislaus this fall, while continuing to play basketball on a full basketball scholarship.

“I plan to get my degree in business in two years,” Daviess said, “and then move on to find a related job in that field. I would like to work within a professional sports team, whether it is in the United States or overseas, working with the operations and management side.”

Daviess said he really enjoyed his experience at DVC. “In my opinion, any student choosing the community college route should take advantage of all the positive things that come out of it,” he said. “Being an athlete made the transition that much easier. I was able to make new friends while playing the sport I love. I was fortunate to have strong family support, and a coach who guided me through the sometimes-difficult college process. I owe all of my accomplishments to my parents and all the people who have been with me through the ups and the downs.”

In reflecting back on his two years, Daviess said, “The DVC experience is what you make it, and I strongly recommend it to any student athlete who wants to grow into a mature young adult. It definitely taught me about responsibility and the rewards of hard work.”

Does he have any advice for high school athletes?

“The college experience is unlike anything, and should be the highlight of a young adult’s life,” he said. “I am happy with the route I took and have no regrets about the decisions I have made.

“If you are playing a sport you really enjoy and want to continue, you have to dedicate yourself to getting better on a daily basis. If you want to be successful in anything you do, hard work and accountability are the most important aspects. Also, don’t take anything for granted, and cherish every moment you play the sport you love.”