Marty McDaniel Ready For Fresh Start At Georgia Tech

Former University of Tennessee assistant softball coach Marty McDaniel has found a new home as the pitching coach at Georgia Tech. McDaniel, who played a pivotal role in helping to make Tennessee a top-tier Division I softball program, spent 16 seasons on the Vols coaching staff. In that time, he helped Tennessee to two SEC Tournament titles and seven Women’s College World Series appearances.

Before his time at Tennessee, McDaniel was the head coach at Division II Armstrong Atlantic State from 1998-2004. He was also an assistant coach at Chattanooga from 1996-97.

McDaniel now joins Aileen Morales' staff with the Yellow Jackets. Learn more about McDaniel’s path to Georgia Tech below.

Softball America: Why did you decide to join Georgia Tech's softball staff?

Marty McDaniel: The campus is absolutely beautiful. The first time I was on campus I was overwhelmed by how beautiful it was, and that helps with recruiting purposes. Also, Georgia is a state full of great talent. The talks that I’ve had with Coach Morales have been great, and I’ve really enjoyed talking with the whole staff. They are young and very talented and sending the program in the right direction.

SA: What goals do you have for the program?

MM: The ultimate goals are to win the ACC championship, be top 10 in ERA in the country and go to the World Series.

SA: Will you mainly work with the pitchers at Georgia Tech?

MM: Yes, I will be the primary pitching coach. We have eight pitchers on our staff and I don’t think I’ll have time to do anything else.

SA: What do you hope to bring to the program?

MM: I hope to bring knowledge of the game. I’ve been around fastpitch softball since I was born. My dad played fastpitch softball and he taught me to play, so I’ve had a lot of experience and I hope to bring that experience to this young staff to make the whole staff better.

SA: Are you excited about having a fresh start after being a part of Tennessee's program for so long?

MM: Yes, I’m so excited because it’s like a new beginning. It’s a new coaching staff, a new pitching staff and a new conference that I get to be a part of. I am excited to visit new places and universities that I haven’t been to yet, and I’m excited to see friends and past players in those areas. I know a lot of coaches in the ACC because of recruiting, and I’m excited to see them and coach against them.

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