FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — After five years with the University of Arkansas Razorbacks, head coach Eric Musselman heads in a different direction.
Leaving Bud Walton Arena along with Muss, a champion for the state of Arkansas. His wife, philanthropist Danyelle Musselman.
"She's not somebody who just went to the fancy galas, but also rolled up her sleeves and sat around board tables, making hard, strategic decisions to best serve nonprofits," says Jody Dilday with the Arkansas Community Foundation.
Dilday says Danyelle was involved with multiple nonprofits in Arkansas.
Danyelle served on the board of the American Cancer Society and helped to bring Suits and Sneakers to Northwest Arkansas raising over one million dollars at their latest event. Musselman served with New Beginnings, a transitional living program that helps to bring homeless folks out of the woods and into some stable livings as they can reintegrate into the community.
Danyelle helped raise awareness for the Children's Safety Center in Washington County and was heavily involved in the Northwest Arkansas chapter of the Make-A-Wish foundation.
"Sickness doesn’t stop and the need for wishes for kids doesn’t stop," Musselman said.
The woman behind all that advocacy also sported a stellar personality.
"When I met her, I was so charmed by her. She absolutely radiates. She sparkles," Dilday said. "And yet, she has both feet on the ground. She is so humble."
Loved and appreciated by so many in Arkansas, Dilday says Arkansas will be left with a huge hole once she's gone.
While she may no longer sit courtside at Bud Walton, Dilday is confident the now former first lady of Arkansas basketball will make an impact in Southern California just as she did in the Natural State.
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