WINONA, Minn - Jolene Danca was a two-year member of the Winona State Women's Volleyball team. After transferring from St. Cloud State, Danca graduated from WSU in 1999 with a degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies. She also earned her master's degree in Education Leadership from Winona State in 2013. Danca was named to the inaugural NSIC All-Academic Team in 1998, which honors student-athletes that have a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher. After her time at WSU, Danca made Winona home. She not only works in Winona, but also owns two businesses in the community. Danca resides in Pickwick, MN, with her two sons, Riley and Logan, who are great supporters and helpers and run a small wood business for Scrappin' on the Ranch and a small three-site campground, both located on their home farm property in Pickwick, MN. 
 
 
What was your favorite sports memory during your time at WSU?
Definitely beating St. Cloud State, since I had transferred from there.
 
What would you say is your greatest athletics and/or academic accomplishment during your time at WSU?
Being named MVP of our home tournament, and also making the all-conference team in 1997 and 1998.
 
How has your WSU athletics experience been influential throughout your life?
You will learn many lessons throughout your life as a competitive athlete and the art of multitasking, long days, endurance (in my professional and personal career) and managing different personalities are just some of the many ways my athletic experience has influenced my life.
 
Please share any recent professional or personal accomplishments.

• Principal of the Winona Area Learning Center (WALC)
• Winona Daily News Person of the Year (2021)
• Opened Eupraxia Winona- it will be 4 years in September!
• Owner of Scrappin' on the Ranch for 14 years

 
What is your current occupation, and what are your career goals?
Principal of the WALC- this was my career goal, I made it! I am now starting year four.
 
What advice would you give to current WSU student-athletes?
You need to focus on your academics first. If you establish good habits there, they will follow you onto the court and/or field. You have to be disciplined. I am where I am in my life as a principal and business owner (x2!) only because of my dedication, discipline and refusal to ever give up.
 
Please include any additional information you would like to share.
As the WALC principal, we always look for mentors, tutors, etc., and we would love to
have more WSU athletes with us! I also offer internships at my gym. Also, if you attend any Game Day experiences, look for the Scrappin' on the Ranch and Eupraxia booths, and I would love to meet you in person.  
 
 
If any current Warrior student-athletes are interested in connecting with Jolene Danca, please reach out to your SAS team advisor to get her contact information.
 
If you are a Winona State student-athlete alum and would like to be featured in the Alumni Spotlight series, please fill out the Alumni Spotlight Questionnaire.