Nancy McDaniel, a veteran women’s golf coach at Cal, passed away at the age of 57 after battling cancer. Her former player, Anne Walker, the current women’s golf coach at Stanford, confirmed her death.
Originally from Portland, Oregon, McDaniel was a standout golfer at the University of Washington. She retired earlier this year after a remarkable 29-year tenure as the founding head coach of the women’s golf program at Cal. She played a pivotal role in elevating the team, which was established in 1995-96, to national prominence. Under her guidance, Cal consistently ranked in the top 25 nationally, making 10 NCAA Championship appearances, 22 NCAA regional appearances, winning the 2003 Pac-10 Championship and the 2012 Pac-12 Championship.
“We have a saying at Cal that team stands for Together Everyone Achieves More,” McDaniel often emphasized.
McDaniel’s post-playing career was distinguished by excellence, earning accolades such as National Golf Coaches Association (NGCA) Coach of the Year, LPGA Teaching and Club Professional Coach of the Year, and Golfweek magazine’s Coach of the Year.
Reflecting on her career, McDaniel expressed gratitude for the opportunity to mentor young women through the sport of golf. She highlighted the importance of the relationships she built with her players and credited her associate head coach, Bev Terry, for their support over the years.
Cal women’s golf coach Nancy McDaniel talks with her Golden Bears players. (Cal athletics)
McDaniel developed her passion for golf at a young age, honing her skills at Waverley Country Club. She excelled at Washington from 1984-88, where she served as team captain, earned All-American honors, and was named to the Pac-10 All-Decade Team. Following a brief professional playing career, she transitioned into coaching and made significant contributions to the Cal women’s golf program.
With notable achievements like back-to-back Pac-10 and West Regional Coach of the Year awards in 2001 and 2002, McDaniel guided the Bears to multiple tournament victories, their highest-ever national ranking, and conference championships. Her impact on the sport was recognized with inductions into the WGCA Hall of Fame in 2016, honoring her consecutive NCAA Regional appearances and the development of numerous standout players.
One of McDaniel’s protégés was Anne Walker, who followed in her footsteps as the head coach at Stanford. Walker, a former player under McDaniel’s tutelage, stood by her coach during her battle with cancer and initiated the Player for Her campaign to support breast cancer research.
Despite facing health challenges, McDaniel maintained a positive attitude and continued to inspire others through her resilience and dedication to the game of golf. Her contributions were celebrated with awards like the Kim Moore Spirit Award and induction into the Northern California Golf Association’s Hall of Fame.
Jim Knowlton, Cal’s Director of Athletics, praised McDaniel for her lasting impact on collegiate golf and the young women she mentored throughout her career. Her legacy as a pioneer in women’s golf will be cherished for years to come.
