Actuarial Science alumna Daniela Álvarez ‘23 is representing Team Spain in beach volleyball at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. She and her TCU teammate Tania Moreno ‘25 will play together on the Eiffel Tower’s court as TCU Beach Volleyball’s first Olympians in program history. Álvarez is one of a record-breaking nine TCU students competing on the global stage.
Growing up in Spain, Álvarez says her dream was always to play collegiate sports at an American university. But volleyball wasn’t originally in the picture.
Álvarez began her athletic journey playing tennis and competing at the international level. At 14, she switched to beach volleyball. Her athleticism helped her adapt quickly, and by age 16, she was third in the world in the U19 (under 19 years old) category.
Álvarez’s dream materialized when she and Spanish teammate Tania Moreno were contacted by college coaches. Ultimately, the pair chose TCU.
“Going to TCU is the best decision that I've ever made,” Álvarez exclaims.
Before TCU's orientation, Álvarez explored the College of Science & Engineering's fields of study, finding her perfect fit in actuarial science. “It had everything I wanted. It was STEM- and business-related. I could combine both! I loved everything I studied, and it prepared me well for a future career," she explains.
Balancing academics and athletics as a student-athlete was not easy, but Álvarez praises TCU professors and classmates for their support.
Sue Staples, Ph.D., left a special impact on the Olympian during her studies.
“Daniela’s commitment to beach volleyball and her drive to achieve academic goals remain unparalleled,” Staples explains. “I constantly marveled at the countless hours she invested to maintain coursework when she traveled all over the world to represent TCU and the Spanish national team. I am so excited to celebrate her 2024 Olympic journey.”
Álvarez’s mental training in the classroom bled into her success as a volleyball player.
Before each match, she analyzed statistics and data of upcoming opponents to determine her game strategy.
On the flip side, her discipline on the court leant itself to managing a challenging course load and group projects. Plus, her friends and teammates became the ultimate cheering section.
“Your closest circle makes a huge impact. I’m grateful for the people I’ve surrounded myself with at TCU: people who want me to succeed and who push me to be the best,” Álvarez gushes.
To student-athletes who dream of being where Álvarez is now, she advises them to enjoy the process.
“It's not just the happiness you feel when you achieve it (making it to the Olympics), it's the daily process and the team you have supporting you.”
After the Olympics, Álvarez will be returning to TCU for her final season with TCU Beach Volleyball and will be pursuing a professional MBA at the Neeley School of Business. She says, “I'm looking forward to enjoying it and giving back to TCU that’s given me the best 4 years.”
Watch Daniela Álvarez represent Team Spain at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris starting with the preliminary match July 29.
Some quotes edited for clarity.
