The expression “first one in, last one out” is cliché to tennis head coach Jenny Mainz, but she has no problem using it to describe senior Andie Daniell.

“A lot of players come to play, and they enjoy it, but it is hard work to make improvements,” Mainz said.  “Of course, everyone wants to improve, but do you want it bad enough to do it every day, and Andie [Daniell] can check that box.”

Ever since she was 5 years old, Daniell has had the dream of playing tennis at the highest level possible with her older sister Rachel, who was her encouragement to pick up the sport.

When Daniell became old enough to compete in high school competitions, she won events across the country and became the No. 3 recruit in the country. During her tough college decision, The University of Alabama satisfied all her requirements.

“I was looking for somewhere where I could grow not only as a tennis player, but as a person,” Daniell said. “Also, I wanted a good culture that was family-oriented. I felt like Alabama was going to do those things for me.”

Now as Daniell embarks on the final stretch of her collegiate career, she has many achievements to be proud of, including 2016 SEC Freshman of the Year, 2016 All-SEC Second Team and 2018 All-SEC First Team, but she has no intentions of letting anticipations affect her senior season.

“I’m trying to not put too many expectations on myself,” Daniell said. “My last three years have been really good, and I had a great fall season. I want to have fun and continue to improve. I’m trying to give every piece of myself to the program because I’m not going to get a day back.”

As the only senior on the team, Daniell has assumed the role of the leader. As a starter for the past three seasons, she has seen leaders before her and now is trying to emulate their best qualities.

“I make sure that everyone has a voice on the team,” she said. “I try to motivate them and show my teammates that I am their teammate and a friend.”

Mainz is confident in Daniell’s leadership qualities as well.

“She’s the kind of leader everyone wants to have on a team,” Mainz added. “Not often do you have student-athletes that have the confidence to stand up and hold other players accountable.”

As much as she is focusing on her on-the-court activities, she says that she is also trying to relish the moments with her teammates. Returning all but one from last season, the women’s tennis team has grown very close. Mainz has noticed this closeness and Daniell’s attention to it.

“Andie will really miss the team when she’s finished, but she has taken in the moments of singing, dancing and having fun with them,” Mainz said. “She’s smart enough to realize that it will be ending soon.”

Currently, in her final dual match season, Daniell is ranked No. 47 with a 4-1 record in singles and a 5-0 record in doubles. But high-quality opponents are in the undefeated Crimson Tide’s near future, with top-25 UCF coming to Tuscaloosa on Friday. Despite this, Daniell believes the schedule this season has prepared them to take the next step.

“Every weekend we’ve been pushing through a lot of doubleheaders,” Daniell said. “It definitely has helped our endurance. This past weekend, we had some tough matches, so we are building up confidence in match situations rather than just on the practice courts. As long as we keep focusing on competing and stick with our process, we will be fine.”