Hawkeye Fan Shop — A Black & Gold Store | Hawk Talk Monthly — October 2018 | 24 Hawkeyes to Watch 2017-18
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Freshman Daneisha Woodside joined the University of Iowa track and field team following a record breaking senior season at Northeast High School in 2018.
The native of Plantation, Fla. competed in the 2018 1,600-meter relay, earning first-team all-state honors and setting the school record in 3:42.1. She also earned second-team all-state honors in the 400 meters (54.3). As a sophomore, Woodside earned first-team all-state and first-team all-county honors in the 1,600-meter relay and 400 meters, respectively. The Hurricanes won the district championship during Woodside’s junior year.
What are you most excited for this year?
“As this is my first year as a Hawkeye, I’m excited for traveling and competing against elite athletes.”
What do you want to achieve this season (personally and as a team)?
“This season I’m going for the Big Ten Freshman of the Year title, and I’d like my 400 meters to drop down to a 52.”
What made you choose Iowa?
“The vibe was great on my visit, and everyone here was so welcoming. I knew this was the place where I to be.”
If not track & field, what sport would you play?
“I’d say gymnastics. I’ve always enjoy watching it, and I took a few classes when I was younger. Then track came along, and I stuck with that.”
If a genie granted you three wishes, what would they be?
“My first wish would be an unlimited amount of wishes so that if I messed up a wish I’d get another shot. My second wish would be unlimited money, and my last would be free gas cause have you seen them prices lately???!”
Do you have any pre-meet rituals?
“Before a meet, I say a few prayers to calm my nerves, listen to some gospel music, and I don’t like to eat too much before I run.”
When you’re not practicing, what is your favorite thing to do?
“I love to shop! I like getting new outfits, and I like taking pictures and being a model for the day.”
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but have been too scared to?
“Bungee jumping or sky diving. I think once I do both of those things I’ll feel so accomplished.”
If you could choose a super power, what would you choose?
“Invisibility, because I’ll be able to sneak around or sit in on important meetings and gain valuable information.”
If you could choose to live anywhere, where would you choose?
“Santorini, Greece, because it has great scenery and would feel like I’m taking a vacation every day.”
Who would play you in a movie?
“I think Ryan Destiny would play me well in a movie. She’s young, so I think she would relate to my story.”
How do you feel about pineapple on pizza?
“Pineapple’s DO NOT belong on pizza! Period.”
Where’s your favorite spot on campus?
“The Pentacrest is my favorite spot on campus because it has a nice view, it’s very open, and the grass is a nice area to have a picnic.”
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would it be?
“I’d trade places with Kylie Jenner because she’s living the life! She’s young, successful, and loves what she’s doing as a career.”
What is your favorite meal?
“My favorite meal is Cajun Seafood Alfredo.”
