The Lee University family had only just returned to prepare for the coming spring semester when stunned with news of the passing of long-time coach, faculty, and friend of the university, Kay McDaniel.

McDaniel served as coach of Lee University tennis teams, was a professor of health science, and most recently and perhaps most notably conducted free tennis clinics every summer at the university for over 30 years.

“Kay was an unforgettable person, with exceptional skills and the true heart of a champion,” said Lee President Paul Conn in a message to the Lee family this morning. “Today we are thanking God that we knew her.”

From age 11, McDaniel dreamed of becoming a professional tennis player. Her first tennis racquet was a Green Stamp racket, which McDaniel collected 5,000 stamps to obtain. Her mother sewed all her tennis clothes until age 15 when her achievements earned her tennis’ top sponsorships (Fila, Tail and Nike) that lasted throughout her career.

McDaniel was ranked #1 in the nation as an amateur and played #1 position for Louisiana State University and then went on to realize her ultimate dream of competing at tennis’ Grand Slams for six years against legendary players such as Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, and Steffi Graf. She rose to the top 35 in the world in singles and held a top 20 world ranking in doubles.

After retiring from professional tennis, McDaniel joined Lee in 1991, as tennis coach and then as a faculty member, and very soon after her arrival began offering the clinics that bore her name and shared her love of tennis and her faith with thousands of young people through the years.

McDaniel long suffered from severe health issues, and several years ago retired from teaching. However, she persisted with her clinics, each year recruiting a team of over 40 instructor assistants to help carry off an excellent experience for the 400 participants each summer. Prior to her 31st and final clinic in 2023 McDaniel said this of the clinic participants, “Not only do these participants learn to play a sport that can last a lifetime, but they learn that God’s eternal love lasts longer than a lifetime.”

A memorial service for McDaniel will be held Saturday, January 11, at Companion Funeral Home sanctuary. The service will begin at 4:00 p.m., preceded by a visitation period from 1:00 to 4:00.  Reverend Kevin Mendel and Dr. Paul Conn will officiate.

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