Class Year: 2026
Program: Social Work
Splitting his time between the court and the classroom, is a graduate student-athlete chasing victories in both basketball and social work, driven by a passion for teamwork and community impact.
“I chose ǿմý because I wanted to continue my basketball career while getting a top-notch education at the Mandel School, one of the best social work schools in the country,” he said. “The basketball team's success solidified my decision.”
McDaniel’s interest in ǿմý started before he even applied—his team played the Spartans during the second year of his undergraduate program at Hamilton College and, although they lost, the experience of seeing how well the team worked together left a lasting impression. After a conversation with Men's Basketball Coach , he was sold.
Now in his first year pursuing a Master of Social Work degree, his favorite spot on campus is Horsburgh Gymnasium in the Veale Center, where he enjoys the energy of athletes from different sports training and competing together.
In the classroom, he has most enjoyed “Group Practice,” a course that teaches students how to lead group settings in social work.
“The professor didn’t just teach us theories—we were experiencing them firsthand, which made the lessons really stick,” he said.
McDaniel is expanding his understanding of group community work through his field placement with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio where he organizes basketball events, assists with grant writing and researches ways to improve youth development programs.
Back home in Washington, D.C., he runs a youth mentorship program, supporting kids with school issues, bullying and life challenges. Whether helping a student transfer to a better school or simply playing sports with them, he is committed to making their lives a little easier.