By Hayden Swope 

Claira Dannefer, a basketball athlete at Abilene, was voted Salina Area Preseason Girls Basketball Player of the Year. Only as a sophomore, Dannefer was a 4A honorable mention and all-league athlete. 

“I am just grateful,” Dannefer said. “I feel very honored and blessed to have this opportunity. I have very supportive family, friends and coaches who have helped me become the person and player that I am today.”

Over the offseason, Dannefer spent hours in the gym working with teammates, coaches, and trainers to better herself for the season ahead. 

“As a lefty, I tend to favor my left hand side, especially down in the paint,” Dannefer said. “During the offseason, I  have tried to improve my off-hand post moves. This past year I played for Wheat State Elite where we traveled to seven different states to play in tournaments. I was able to see all  levels of basketball. Most recently, I have been training with CN3 Training, led by Craig  Nicholson. My high school coach, Shawn  Herrman, also challenged us to make as many basketball shots as we could before
the season.”

A few goals Dannefer has focused on for the season include her work on both offense and defense. 

“Personally I’d like to become a threat on both ends of the court by improving my defensive  skills,” Dannefer said. “Along with this, I’d like to be in control of the glass every game for both offensive and  defensive rebounds.”

Not only is Dannefer on the basketball team, but is also a first team all-league volleyball player and state medalist in track. 

Dannefer has aspirations to continue her athletic and academic career in college. 

“I would love to play basketball in college,” Dannefer said. “I would like to pursue a degree in exercise science to  eventually become a physical therapist or another career within the sports medicine field.”