October 2024

CalHOPE Courage Award Winners

The monthly CalHOPE award honors student-athletes at California colleges and universities who have overcome the stress, anxiety, and mental trauma associated with personal hardships and adversity. Here’s a closer look at the inspiring personal stories of the latest CalHOPE Courage Award honorees.

Jailen Daniel-Dalton

San Francisco State University
| Basketball

Jailen Daniel-Dalton, a senior forward for San Francisco State University’s basketball team, faced one of the most pivotal moments in his life when he learned in September 2023 that his girlfriend was pregnant.

Balancing the demands of college athletics was already a full-time job, but the sudden responsibility of impending fatherhood intensified the pressure. He was still recovering from an injury and juggling the long commute between campus and his girlfriend’s home in Mountain View. He admits it was hard focusing on basketball while feeling overwhelmed by the uncertainty of his personal life.

The mental toll of managing these new responsibilities weighed heavily on him. His daily schedule was packed with early morning workouts, study hall sessions, and travel back and forth between school and home. His scholarship hinged on maintaining his GPA, and the stakes felt impossibly high. He knew everything had to be handled or his studies, basketball, and personal life would fall apart.

Drawing on lessons from his time at Gavilan Community College, Jailen knew the importance of prioritizing his mental health. The challenges he faced navigating this new chapter forced him to rely on the coping strategies he developed. Although he wasn’t 100 percent prepared, he had enough tools to help navigate the tough road ahead.

“Through it all, I am proud that my resilience and commitment to both my family and team has defined my journey and made me stronger both on and off the court.  My challenges have been a test of mental strength and resilience,” said Jailen. “Balancing basketball, school, and becoming a father pushed me in ways I never expected. There were moments I felt overwhelmed, but I relied heavily on the support of my family, teammates, and coaches. They helped me stay grounded and focused. Without them, I don’t know how I would have made it. I’ve learned that you don’t have to face challenges alone; you can lean on those around you.”

Despite this challenge, the 6-foot-6-inch forward excelled in his first season with the Gators, earning All-California Collegiate Athletic Association second team honors. He led the team in both scoring (11.8 points per game) and rebounding (6.6 per game) and was second in both assists (50) and blocked shots (19).  Unfortunately, due to a shoulder injury, Jailen will miss the 2024-25 season.

Aaliyah Gayles

University of Southern California (USC)
| Basketball

A McDonald’s All-American from Spring Valley High School in Las Vegas with a bright basketball future, Aaliyah’s life took a drastic turn at an April 2022 house party, when she was shot multiple times in both her arms and legs. Her injuries were so severe that her ability to walk, let alone play basketball, was uncertain. However, even from her hospital bed, she remained committed to her dream of playing for USC, signing her national letter of intent while still undergoing intensive medical treatment.

Aaliyah’s physical recovery was grueling. The months following the shooting were filled with surgeries, physical therapy, and painful rehabilitation sessions. She had to relearn how to move her body, starting with the basics of making a fist and wiggling her toes to eventually walk on her own. Despite the immense pain and emotional toll, Aaliyah’s resilience shone through. She credits her determination, support from her family and the unwavering belief of USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb, who promised her a spot on the team regardless of her ability to return to the court.

Emotionally, the recovery process was equally challenging. Aaliyah faced the mental strain of processing the trauma, wondering if she would ever regain her former strength and whether she could return to the game she loved. She felt fear, especially during her first days back on campus when she was still unstable on her feet. Despite these challenges, her positive attitude never wavered. She remained a source of inspiration for her teammates, attending practices and supporting them even when she couldn’t participate fully.

Finally, in November 2023, after nearly two years of rehabilitation, Aaliyah stepped onto the court in a USC jersey to a standing ovation, marking her official return to competitive basketball. She went on to play a total of 44 minutes in 7 games, scoring 10 points and grabbing 6 rebounds.

“This journey has been the hardest battle of my life,” said Aaliyah. “There were days when the pain and fear felt overwhelming, but basketball was my motivation to keep pushing. Every step I took was about getting back to the game I love. I leaned on my family, coaches, and teammates, who lifted me up when I needed it most. Their belief in me, along with my passion for basketball, helped me overcome every obstacle.”

View Honorees from Past Years

About the CalHOPE Courage Award

Presented since February 2022, the CalHOPE Courage Award, recognizes two student-athletes at California colleges and universities monthly for overcoming the stress, anxiety, and mental trauma associated with personal hardships and adversity.

At the end of the school year, two of the student-athletes recognized during the year will be selected as annual CalHOPE Courage Award winners and a donation will be made in each of their names toward mental health services.

It is presented by the College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA), in association with The Associated Press (AP); CalHOPE, DHCS’ crisis counseling and support resource; and the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Wellbeing.