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Caylao-Do Leaves Legacy of Hard Work and Leadership
February 22, 2020 | Women's Basketball
Buffs host Senior Day on Sunday
BOULDER - Quinessa Caylao-Do will step onto the CU Events Center court for the possibly final time against No. 11 Arizona on Sunday.
After four years of adversity and hard work, Caylao-Do will remember the highs and lows of her time in Boulder.
On the court, she's a three-year starter who brought an astounding defensive presence and an always improving offensive game in which the Buffs relied on. Last season she was recognized as part of the 2018 Nevada Nugget Classic All-Tournament Team and was Pac-12 All-Defensive honorable mention.
Caylao-Do's game has been much more than stats, she emphasized leadership and setting an example for her teammates through her hard-work.
"I think it's just good for the younger players to see the amount of work that you have to put in," Caylao-Do said. "My presence, in general, has improved in four years. My freshman year didn't go how I wanted it to go and to be able to grow from freshman year to senior year was huge. You might go through tough times but as long as you put in the work, the work will pay off."
Caylao-Do has taken pride in stepping up as a leader for this young Buffaloes team. As the lone senior in 2020, she knew that her influence would be crucial for her teammates. Caylao-Do has grown more and more into the leader she is today.
"I think I have improved at every level," she added. "I have tried to develop from a vocal standpoint. Growing into that leadership role, becoming more independent just as a woman is something this program has helped me do. From a basketball standpoint, I have done the same thing. I went from a person who only plays defense, to being able to score and be an offensive threat."
Her growth on the court but most notably in the locker room is why a big reason as to why she was voted a team captain this season by her teammates.
"She's really grown into someone that her teammates love and respect," head coach JR Payne noted. "They admire her for the amount of work she's put in and the way she's grown her game. She's someone that one of our underclassmen said to me the other day, 'whenever Q [Quinessa] speaks, we all listen.' I thought that was pretty cool to hear."
At the University of Colorado, there is great pride and tradition. This is no different for Caylao-Do. There are so many different aspects of being a Buff that she is grateful for experiencing.
"Being a Buff means a lot to me," Caylao-Do continued. "I think after these four years it just helped me be more mature overall. I mean, there's so many things. Even just recently with the alumni reunion that we had and talking about the experience here at CU. I think just always being a Buff and being loyal to this program for all four years, no matter what type of season we had. I'll always be proud to be a Buff."
Caylao-Do is the first CU player to experience all four years with Payne. Originally recruited to Santa Clara by Coach Payne, Caylao-Do ended up following coach to Colorado; a decision she will never regret.
"I just wanted to be in a power five type of school and just play in the Pac-12. Once I saw Coach Payne was one of the candidates for head coach, I knew where I wanted to end up," Caylao-Do said.
The sentiment was mutual from the coaches.
"Q was someone that we wanted and loved while we were at Santa Clara," coach Payne recalled. "We believed in her not just as a basketball player, but we really loved who she was and what we thought she'd bring. When we decided to come to Colorado we were excited she was here."
Caylao-Do, the coaching staff and her teammates have formed a major bond in her years at CU. With plenty of ups and downs the whole way, she has always known she has people to rely on.
"We've just grown into a family," she said. "I think just having that relationship with them will go a long way."
With only a handful of games remaining, it is beginning to set in for Caylao-Do that her time playing basketball at CU is running out. Although she catches herself counting down the games, she wants to go out the best way she can.
"I'm going to finish this senior season strong. I think just doing more than what I've done in the past three years from a basketball standpoint. Hopefully, advancing further in the Pac-12 Tournament."
After basketball, Caylao-Do has many interests. Although nothing is set in stone, she is contemplating law school, beauty school, or getting her business degree. She also has a major interest in marketing and real estate.
Whatever she ends up doing, it is with the hope that Colorado has at least one more game at the CU Events Center after Sunday. The Buffs have put themselves in position for strong consideration for a WNIT bid.
But if Sunday is the end of the road for Caylao-Do in Boulder, she will always cherish her days in a Colorado uniform.
