Arlington Baptist University Women's Volleyball

For over a decade, Kristi McDaniel has been a driving force for the Lady Patriot Volleyball Team, leading with passion, dedication, and a focus on Jesus Christ. With an impressive 270 wins, Coach McDaniel consistently propels her team to triumphs.  Under her guidance, the Lady Patriots have achieved extraordinary success, boasting six ACCA National Championships and four NCCAA DII Southwest Region Championships. Their frequent appearances in the NCCAA DII National Tournament, including reaching the Final Four in 2015, 2019, 2022 and 2023 showcase their consistent excellence. She won her first National Championship in 2024. Recognized for her exceptional coaching ability, Kristi has been honored as the NCCAA DII Southwest Region Coach of the Year in 2013, 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024. Notably, in 2022, she was selected as the NCCAA DII Coach of the Year. 

Ruthie Oliphant is from Denton, Texas, and sports have been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. She recently completed five years of collegiate volleyball at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where she earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s degree in Sports Administration. Her relationship with Christ is the foundation of who she is and remains a central passion in her life. As she pursues a career in coaching, Ruthie is excited for the opportunity to not only help athletes grow on the court but also to share God’s love and truth through everything she does. She believes that sports provide an incredible platform for building character, leadership, and faith — and she’s grateful to be stepping into a role where she can live that out every day.