McGill's Daniella Mbengo: Making a difference and mentorship in women’s basketball

By Julia Dostaler

For Daniella Mbengo, success isn’t just about wins or stats — it’s about making a lasting impact. To her, it means looking back with no regrets, knowing that she gave it her all and uplifted those around her. 

The third-year guard for McGill’s women’s basketball team is excelling both on the court and in the classroom, where her social work program aligns with her passion for helping others.

“I don’t think I could have chosen a better program for me,” said Mbengo. 

“It really helped me figure out what I want to do as a career and how to achieve my goals of giving back to my community.”

When her former Vanier College Head Coach, Rikki Bowles, took over as McGill’s women’s basketball Head Coach, she said making the choice to stay in her hometown of Montréal for school was a “no-brainer.”

“[Committing to McGill] was like a dream come true,” she said.

This season, the well-rounded player is averaging seven points, two rebounds, three assists, and two steals per game. But Mbengo’s impact on the team doesn’t stop there.

As a veteran player, she embraces a leadership role by prioritizing an inclusive and safe space for her teammates. Validating their feelings, offering advice, or directing them to campus resources are ways Mbengo demonstrates this. She takes pride in being a steady source of support, ensuring her team always feels heard and never alone.

“It starts with talking about the hard stuff,” she said.

“Since we spend so much time with each other every single day, it’s important to know what’s going on with each other and strengthen those links on and off the court.”

Mbengo encourages younger athletes to cherish their relationships and to bond with people outside of their circle.

“It’s important to have people in your life who might not relate to you in terms of basketball. Don’t stay in the bubble of your sport,” she said.

Mbengo said being a recipient of the 2025 Athletes on Track Bursary has helped her recognize that she belongs in spaces of excellence. The program, jointly run by U SPORTS and the BlackNorth Initiative, provides $5,000 in financial support to outstanding Black student-athletes while also offering mentorship in career development and personal growth.

After finding out she was selected for the Athletes on Track program for a second year in a row, Mbengo said she was in shock.

“I was on my way to practice, and I didn’t know what to say,” she said.

When she attended an Athletes on Track gala last summer, Mbengo said she initially questioned if she belonged there. 

“I didn’t even know what to say. I walked in there and there was Black excellence everywhere. CEOs and important people who are doing so much for their communities,” she said.

But by night's end, she said she was inspired by the guests’ speeches.

“That’s when I realized that I do have a place here. This could be me in a few years.” 

As basketball has been a central part of Mbengo’s life, she said she recognizes how it has intertwined with her desire to help others. As a student-athlete, she remains motivated to excel academically in her field and in her relationships.

Last year, Mbengo interned at a shelter for women and children, which she said was a life-changing experience. Now, she is interning at the Côte-des-Neiges Black Community Association, where she works with families to strengthen relationships and improve communication.

“Until you face it, you don’t realize how hard some people really have it in life,” she said. 

Mbengo wants to drive home the message that anything is possible.

“Find someone in the world who you can look up to — whether it’s because you have similar backgrounds or life experiences,” she said.

“If you can see it, you’ll believe that you can be it.”