When Dante transferred to Walsh University, he was looking for more than a change of scenery. He was looking for a place where he could grow, challenge himself, and make a difference. As a scholar-athlete on the football team, he arrived with a clear purpose and a quiet determination to lead with integrity.
“What was most appealing to me about Walsh was the opportunity to come in and help create change within the football program, while also growing as a student,” Dante said. Having spent most of his life in Catholic schools, Walsh also offered an environment where faith could remain central to that growth. “It allowed me to be in a place where I could grow my faith.”
Leadership, for Dante, has never been about being the loudest voice in the room. Instead, it has come from consistency, accountability, and staying true to his values. “My entire time here has really been about trying to change the culture and narrative of the football team through my leadership and, more importantly, my integrity,” he said. “I’ve always told everyone I’m going to be who I am and stand on my morals and beliefs.”
Naturally introverted, Dante admits that stepping into leadership roles did not come easily. “I can be social when I need to be, but most of the time I stay to myself,” he said. Still, Walsh’s sense of community challenged him to stretch beyond that comfort zone. “Walsh has really pushed me out of my shell,” he added. “It’s allowed me to get more involved in community engagement.”
That growth is evident in his involvement across campus. In addition to football, Dante serves as a senator for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, participates in student organizations, and is involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He points to moments like Meet the Teams Night, where he helped raise money for Make-A-Wish by volunteering to get pied in the face, as milestones in his personal development. “I never would’ve done something like that if I hadn’t been encouraged to be involved in community service,” he said.
Dante credits much of that encouragement to Alexis Green, Director of Athletic Communications, who urged him to run for SAAC Senator. “She really helped me grow and get out of my shell,” Dante said. “Without her pushing me along the way, I probably wouldn’t have had the experiences I’ve had at Walsh. I’m very thankful for her.”
One of his most meaningful experiences was being nominated to attend the regional SAAC convention in Indianapolis, where Dante connected with student-athletes from across the country. “That was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he said. “Being able to interact with other schools and meet so many great people showed me how much leadership can really reach beyond your own campus.”
Service has also shaped how Dante views leadership and community. He recalls visiting a teammate from Team Impact in the hospital as a moment that changed his perspective. “That experience really made me look at the world with more love and grace,” he said.
That outlook is rooted in his own story. At just nine years old, Dante survived a near-fatal bike accident that nearly cost him his leg. “I was supposed to be an amputee,” he said. “But by the grace of God and miracles, I’m still here today. That experience gave me a completely different appreciation for life and time. It showed me how finite and precious it all is.”
Today, Dante channels that perspective into his academic and professional goals. As a business management major, he is drawn to understanding how organizations function at every level. “I really enjoy learning how businesses are run,” he said. “I like knowing the ins and outs of operations and how everything works together.”
Looking ahead, Dante is focused on building a career grounded in leadership and growth. “My future goal is to be a chief operations officer one day,” he said. “Right after graduation, I want to find a management position within a company and work my way up.”
