Since 2011, Kristi McDaniel has been a key leader of the Lady Patriot Volleyball program, guiding it with passion, excellence, and a strong commitment to Jesus Christ. Over her tenure, she has compiled more than 288 career wins, consistently leading her teams to compete at a high level while cultivating a culture built on faith, discipline, and purpose.
Under her leadership, the Lady Patriots have experienced sustained success, capturing six NCCAA Division II Southwest Region Championships and earning multiple appearances in the NCCAA Division II National Tournament. The program has reached the Final Four in 2015, 2019, 2023, and 2025, finished as National Runner-Up in 2022, and secured its first National Championship in 2024—milestones that reflect both competitive excellence and program consistency.
Coach McDaniel’s impact extends far beyond wins and championships. At Arlington Baptist University, she is deeply committed to the mission of developing student-athletes into Christ-centered leaders. Through intentional discipleship, mentorship, and daily investment, she challenges her players to grow spiritually, using the platform of volleyball to share the gospel and equip them to live out their faith both on and off the court.
Her coaching excellence has been widely recognized, earning her NCCAA Division II Southwest Region Coach of the Year honors in 2013, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. In 2022, she was also named NCCAA Division II National Coach of the Year, a testament to her leadership, vision, and lasting impact on the game and the lives of her players.
