McDaniel, McDonald Sign NLIs to Join NC State Volleyball Program

RALEIGH, N.C. – Third-year NC State volleyball head coach Linda Hampton-Keith announced Friday that Kristen McDaniel and Daniela McDonald have each signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) to compete for the Wolfpack starting with the 2019 season.

McDonald will enroll in January and participate in spring workouts with the program, while McDaniel will join the Wolfpack in the summer.

Kristen McDaniel
5-9 | Setter
'Iolani High School
Mililani, Hawaii

- Led 'Iolani to a 28-6 overall record and a state championship this season, tallying 931 assists, averaging 10 assists per set, to go along with 217 digs and 87 kills
- Named an Interscholastic League of Honolulu (ILH) First Team All-Conference selection as a senior and a second team selection as a junior
- Guided 'Iolani to a runner-up finish in the 2017 state championship game
- Collected Max Preps/AVCA Player of the Week as a junior
- Selected to the Hawaii All-Tournament Team at the state championships in 2018 and 2017
- Tabbed the Spectrum OC16 ILH Impact Player of the Year as a senior and secured the Quarterfinals Impact Player Award as a junior
- Named to the Fab 15 list by Hawaii Prep World, as one of the top recruits in the state
- Also won a state championship with 'Iolani as a sophomore in 2016
- Led 'Iolani to the Ann Kang Invitational Tournament title in each of the past two seasons
- Won a conference championship in 2015 as a freshman and claimed runner-up in each of her other three seasons
- Earned a first-place finish at the Fall Durango Classic in the Silver Division in 2018 and championship in the Bronze Division in 2017
- Four-year member of the varsity team at 'Iolani
- Selected to the Honor Roll and achieved the Headmaster's Award
- Has traveled to 26 of 50 states and visited three countries
- Older brother, Matthew, played college baseball at San Diego State and Quincy University

McDaniel on Choosing NC State – "I really liked the team dynamic here and how everyone is super close. I like the coaching staff and it's going to be a very fun experience. I love all the trees in Raleigh and I can't wait to play with my future teammates and making friendships that I definitely think will last."

Hampton-Keith on McDaniel – "Kristen is an exciting addition to our program. She brings a wealth of experience and understanding of the game at the setter position. She's also very versatile in her skill set and can contribute in more ways than one. We're excited to get her in the gym and work with her to see how we can best use her skills to impact our team immediately."

Daniela McDonald
6-1 | Outside Hitter
Leesville Road High School
Raleigh, N.C.

- Ranked a Prep Volleyball Senior Ace, as one of the nation's top recruits
- Earned Prep Volleyball Honorable Mention All-America honors following her junior season at Leesville Road
- Also claimed Prep Volleyball First-Team All-State accolades in 2017
- Recognized as a 2017 All-Metro Selection by the News & Observer
- Secured First-Team All-Conference all four years of high school
- Voted Leesville's offensive MVP from her sophomore to senior seasons
- Named to Under Armour's Phenom List in 2017
- Tabbed to Prep Volleyball's Soph 79 and Frosh 59 honorable mention lists in 2016 and 2015, respectively
- Received the Triangle Award during the 2015 season with the 14 Black Club Volleyball Team
- Helped her club team earn a bid to the USA Volleyball Nationals in each of the past three years
- Four-year honor roll recipient at Leesville Road
- Father, Jim, played college football at Appalachian State and her mother, Deanna, played volleyball for the Mountaineers
- Will enroll in January and go through spring workouts with the Wolfpack

McDonald on Choosing NC State – "I live in Raleigh, so NC State is right in my backyard and my family members have attended NC State, so I've always wanted to come here. I also love the team atmosphere. I'm looking forward to playing with my future teammates and getting the education, coaching that I've always wanted.

Hampton-Keith on McDonald - "We're thrilled to be adding such a talented and focused athlete in Daniela. I expect that our team will feel her impact immediately both on and off the court. Her physical and leadership potential are exciting, especially given she is a local athlete. We look forward to adding Daniela this spring and for her to get a head start on her collegiate career."

North Carolina State University Athletics

McDaniel, McDonald Sign NLIs to Join NC State Volleyball Program

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