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Clymer Native Reinwald Returns Home From Australia

Clymer native Dani Reinwald prepares to grab a rebound during a game last year in Australia. Submitted photo

Amid the current coronavirus pandemic, professional sports leagues and associations all over the world have either suspended or canceled their respective seasons.

During these unprecedented times, it’s been required that professional athletes completely adjust their daily routines and lives. Oftentimes, they’ve also been asked to relocate back to their homes in an effort to help combat the spread of COVID-19. Dani Reinwald experienced this scenario personally in March.

After averaging more than 18 points and 17 rebounds a game in her first campaign with the Whittlesea Pacers in 2019, the 2013 graduate of Clymer Central School was preparing for her second season in Australia’s Big V Basketball League when concerns about COVID-19 forced major adjustments to the league’s schedule.

What made the situation even more bizarre for Reinwald was the fact that she was joining a new team in 2020, the Sunbury Jets.

Sunbury competes in the same Big V Women’s Championship Division as Whittlesea.

“I was very blessed to have my first pro experience with Whittlesea last year,” Reinwald said. “I had a great experience with the club but did not end up re-signing with them. … Thankfully, I was contacted by Sunbury’s coach, John White. …I had experience playing them and was fairly familiar that the club had a great reputation. They finished first place in our league during the previous season, so I was excited to chase a championship with them this season.”

As Reinwald was in the process of becoming acclimated to her new team, the events surrounding the Big V Basketball League’s response to COVID-19 began to transpire quickly.

Ultimately, the Big V Basketball League postponed its season.

“I landed in Australia March 7, expecting our first game to be March 14,” Reinwald explained. “I was aware while traveling that I could have been exposed to something and wouldn’t want to carry the virus to my new town and team. That is the extent at which I was worried about COVID-19. Upon hearing the NBA was postponed, I started thinking it would be a likely scenario among many leagues, including ours, to follow suit. … After arrival, a teammate of mine from Sweden told us on March 12 that FIBA leagues back home were canceled. The following day, March 13, by around 5:30 p.m., the BIG V announced the cancellation of games for the weekend and reported more news would follow.”

She added: “(On) March 16, our club met with us five imports and sorrowfully advised us to return home while we still could if we wanted to. They then told us there was no way the season would happen. I appreciated their honesty and the respect they showed us by being straight up with us and letting us know the situation. Most of my friends who play for other clubs weren’t given this notice for at least another week as clubs were still hopeful for some kind of shortened season.”

Initially, the club gave Reinwald and all the other imports the option to return home or stay in Australia. However, after Australia imposed a level-four travel ban, Reinwald and two other American teammates were flown back to America on the earliest flight possible on March 19.

The flight from Melbourne landed in Los Angeles and then went to Cleveland before Reinwald returned home.

“Initially, I was very disappointed with the cancellation of the season and having to return home,” Reinwald said. “I didn’t get to spend a lot of time with my team, but I felt a great energy and was very impressed with the atmosphere of Sunbury’s club. … However, everyone has been affected by this pandemic and although my season was canceled, I am thankful for the opportunity and recognize I can’t feel victimized by COVID19. … Throughout this I’ve been finding the positive, trying to make the most of whatever unexpected opportunities are now available in my life. It’s a chance to step back and focus on what truly matters in life. Additionally, it is a chance to get back to basics and recognize the importance of a strong relationship with God and family members.”

At Clymer during her high school playing days, Reinwald scored more than 1,000 points and hauled in more than 1,000 rebounds. During her standout career at Medaille College, she scored 1,079 points and hauled in 1,025 rebounds while also blocking 151 shots and picking up 190 steals. Her 15.2 points per game and 14.4 rebounds per game are among the best in program history. In addition, she accumulated 69 double-doubles, which is tied for eighth most in NCAA Division III history.

Reinwald has thrived at every level throughout her exceptional career. And once this current pandemic passes, she would like to continue to compete at a professional level.

“A lot can change in a year, but, yes, God willing, I am planning on returning next season,” she said. “I’m not sure how long I’ll play professionally, but I don’t want a random event out of my control to make this determination. … Currently, I train kids 10-15 years younger than me and I am reminded of the kid I used to be. Here I am at age 24 still doing now what I loved then, and this time I get to put a few dollars in the savings account along the way. This forced time off gives me a better perspective on how blessed I truly am.”

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