By Elijah Alvarado, Sports Editor
Following the sudden loss of Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Daniel Waln on July 16, 2025, the Saint Leo University community reflects on his legacy.
Waln joined the Saint Leo basketball staff in Nov. 2024 with years of coaching experience. Waln was a big part of the university, and he touched the hearts of his players and surrounding community in so many ways.
“We are heartbroken by the sudden and tragic loss of Coach Waln,” stated Marcel Lazenby,Director of Athletics, Recreation, & Wellness, Vice President of Athletics. “We will miss him deeply, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who have the privilege of knowing him.”
In the short time Waln was with the basketball program, his dedication to this program leaves a mark on what the Saint Leo men’s basketball team has in store for this upcoming season. This offseason the coaching staff worked tirelessly to rebuild the roster due to losing 11 guys between the transfer portal and graduation.
Saint Leo Men’s Basketball Head Coach Spencer Henke does not shy away from giving credit to coach Waln for his contributions in this process.
“Coach Waln ‘Dub’ was such a huge part of our program even though he was only with us a little less than a year. He bought into what we were trying to build the moment he got to campus and has his fingerprints all over our new look roster,” said Henke.
Waln was more than just a coach. He looked at ways he could make an impact and buildrelationships with his players and community beyond the game of basketball. He wanted the best for everyone he came across along the way.
“He had a unique ability to always be present and make you feel like you were the most important person in the room at all times,” said Henke. The passion Waln shared in his presence and impact he had on anyone he connected with over time created a boost of self-confidence.
“I think this gave those who he impacted a sense of belief in themselves, but also in the fact that he was always going to be there when you needed him,” stated Henke.
Waln always had a positive personality, and it showed. He always believed that goals could be accomplished, no matter the challenge, meeting every challenge with a unique and unwavering response.
Waln was always willing to help in any way possible, especially in ways that brought attention to Saint Leo and the men’s basketball program. This highlights more characteristics about the type of person he was: selfless, driven and relentless.
“To pinpoint one moment is very difficult as Coach Waln was such an unbelievable individual,so the moments are endless. But, one moment that really stood out to me was this summer when he willingly took time to give each high school team at our team camp a tour of facilities out of his love for Saint Leo,” said Henke. “This shows how selfless he was to start with, but also how driven and relentless he was to constantly promote our program- allowing us to be in the mix with the best players around.”
Waln’s legacy will always be honored for his dedication to the basketball program, Saint Leo University, and the entire surrounding community. His legacy will continue to spread throughout the program, beyond the court.
“Coach Waln and his family will forever be a part of our program. We will honor him throughout the year as a team and play each game knowing he is watching over us,” said Henke.
While Waln may be missing in the locker room and on the bench, his spirit and legacy will live on the court and in the hearts of his players and fellow coaches and all who were affected by the sudden passing.
“I continue to pray and wish all those who were impacted by Coach Waln’s death well and hope they know that we represent them as well each time we take the floor,” said Henke.
