DANI HANSEN

Athlete

Dani Hansen grew up in Patterson, California, as one of five daughters raised by her parents, Phil and Sharon, an energetic household that fueled her competitive spirit from day one. She played nearly every sport she could get her hands on, spent eight years dancing, and even picked up multiple instruments along the way, including the saxophone, ukulele, and guitar.

That versatility and drive carried her into rowing, where she quickly became one of the most accomplished Paralympic athletes in U.S. history.

Dani dominated at the collegiate level, winning every race she competed in at the University of Washington and helping lead the Huskies to a historic National Championship sweep in 2017—the first team ever to win every event. Her excellence continued on the world stage, representing the U.S. from 2014–2024. Across that decade, she collected major international medals, set a world-record time in the PR3 Women’s 2- in 2018 (a record that still stands), and cemented her status as the most decorated USRowing Paralympian in the organization’s history.

A three-time Paralympian, Dani won silver in both 2016 and 2021, and served as the women’s spare for the silver-medal boat in 2024—showcasing unmatched longevity and leadership.

Off the water, Dani’s personality shines just as brightly: she loves being near the ocean (and wishes she could surf), is a devoted Stranger Things fan, and makes an elite homemade whipped cream that could win awards of its own.

Dani Hansen isn’t just an athlete, she’s a record-setter, a culture-shifter, and a force who continues to redefine what excellence in rowing looks like.