STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.— Danielle Williamsen, a current sophomore on the Marist College basketball team, left her mark on Staten Island high school hoops as a 1,000-point scorer, the former all-time leading scorer at St. Joseph by-the-Sea, and a McDonald’s All-American nominee. Now, she’s ready to make her biggest local impact off the court.
This week, Tunnel to Towers, the Staten Island–based organization dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of first responders and military heroes through providing them mortgage-free homes and other impactful programs, announced that Williamsen will serve as the nonprofit’s next Student-Athlete Advocate, an initiative launched in 2021.
A Staten Island native and the daughter of an NYPD officer, Williamsen plans to work with Tunnel to Towers to help her peers recognize the impact and legacy of America’s first responders and vets. She said her understanding of the importance of service and community began during her time as a basketball player on the Island.
“I grew up on Staten Island; before going to college it’s all I’ve ever known. I played for CYO parishes — St. Clare’s and St. Charles — and it was great being involved in the community and having so many welcoming people around you,” Williamsen began.
“When I got to high school, I had a strong community and a close group of friends and parents who were incredibly supportive, including my coach, Coach Josh [Suslak]. We regularly held clinics focused on giving back, helping coach, and working with younger kids learning the game. That’s when I realized I could use my platform and visibility on Staten Island to do more than just for myself,” she went on.
Nick Diamantis, Manager of Media Relations at Tunnel to Towers and part of the selection team for the Student-Athlete Advocate, shared that while the organization received a record number of applicants for the role, Williamsen emerged as a perfect choice.
“First and foremost, Danielle being a Staten Islander stood out. When vetting applications, we look closely at backgrounds and direct connections to 9/11, and that was there. We also saw that Danielle is an inspiring athlete at Marist, playing Division I basketball, and a Staten Island native, just like the foundation,” he shared.
“Those factors alone made her a great candidate for the program. In the months we’ve gotten to know each other, she’s been great to work with our staff, and we know she’ll be a phenomenal advocate in the future.”
Diamantis also noted that the largest application pool ever for the Student-Athlete Advocate role is an encouraging sign for T2T, sharing, “I think the growth of this program has a lot to do with the growth of the foundation itself.”
“People on Staten Island have been able to see how much the foundation has grown over the last one, two, and five years. I think this is another example of how much people are tapping into what the foundation is doing for first responder and military families across the nation.”
Williamsen said that while one of her main goal is to share the organization’s mission with new audiences, her involvement as a Student-Athlete Advocate, along with previous participation in T2T events like the annual 5K through the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, has strengthened her bond with family and teammates, making her decision to work with the nonprofit an easy one.
Former St. Joseph by-the-Sea hoops standout Danielle Williamsen is the daughter of a NYPD officer so this new venture means a lot to her. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)Staten Island Advance
“It means so much to me in my heart. Knowing my dad wakes up every day and puts everyone else’s lives before his own shows the sacrifice he gives daily, whether at work or just going about his day. Living like that is the example I want to set for future generations,” she said.
“Even when I ran the 5K, I started with my brother a few years ago, and this year I included my teammates. Running with them and feeling their support, both in person and afterward, was surreal. It was something they’d never experienced, and it meant so much to them. I only hope to give back as much as I can.”
Diamantis further emphasized the importance of Williamsen and previous Student-Athlete Ambassadors to Tunnel to Towers, calling them “at the forefront” of many of the nonprofit’s initiatives.
“All of our student-athlete advocates share a drive to spread the foundation’s mission by educating peers, fundraising, and serving as active ambassadors. Danielle has embraced this role both at Marist and at home. Advocates help at events like the Tower Climb and annual 5K, making active, visible participation key to getting the most out of the program,” he said.
As 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, the organization plans to ramp up fundraising and awareness efforts for first responders. Williamsen said the milestone will only motivate her to excel in her role.
“I hope to use my platform to promote this organization and help younger generations understand 9/11, so they stay aware and never forget,” she concluded.
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For more information on the Tunnel to Towers Student-Athlete Advocate program, visit t2t.org.