Sai Daniels enters her first season as an assistant coach with the Tennessee State softball program in 2026–27, bringing NCAA Division I playing and coaching experience, professional softball experience and international competition as a member of the Puerto Rico National Team.
Daniels joins the Tigers following a collegiate playing career at Georgia and Syracuse, where she established herself as a productive offensive player and accomplished baserunner. She also brings coaching experience at Eastern Illinois and an extensive background in travel softball.
Daniels began her collegiate playing career at Georgia in 2009, helping the Bulldogs reach the Women's College World Series during her freshman season. She started all 53 games in which she appeared, batting .309 with 38 hits, 37 runs scored, two doubles, two triples, one home run, nine RBI and 13 stolen bases.
Following her freshman season, Daniels transferred to Syracuse, where she became one of the most productive offensive players in program history from 2010–12. During her three seasons with the Orange, she appeared in 172 games and compiled a .351 batting average with 193 hits, 124 runs scored, 28 doubles, 11 triples, 16 home runs, 94 RBI and 71 stolen bases.
Daniels also recorded a .529 slugging percentage and a .412 on-base percentage during her Syracuse career. Her .351 career batting average established a program record at the time, while her 71 stolen bases ranked among the school's all-time leaders.
A two-time NFCA All-Great Lakes Region Second Team selection, Daniels also earned All-BIG EAST Second Team honors during her time at Syracuse.
Across her four-year collegiate career at Georgia and Syracuse, Daniels combined for 231 hits, 161 runs scored, 30 doubles, 13 triples, 17 home runs, 103 RBI and 84 stolen bases, establishing herself as a consistent offensive contributor at the Division I level.
Following her collegiate career, Daniels continued competing professionally and internationally as a member of the Puerto Rico National Team. Her experience at the international level allowed her to compete against elite talent while gaining exposure to different styles of play and approaches to the game.
Daniels began her collegiate coaching career at Eastern Illinois, where she gained Division I coaching experience working with student-athletes on skill development, fundamentals and overall game preparation.
In addition to her collegiate coaching experience, Daniels has worked extensively in travel softball, helping young athletes improve their fundamentals, develop their softball IQ and prepare for competition at the collegiate level. Her coaching background includes an emphasis on offensive development, baserunning, discipline and player accountability.
Daniels brings a combination of collegiate success, professional and international playing experience and coaching knowledge to Tennessee State. Her background as a successful Division I hitter and baserunner will contribute to the Tigers' offensive instruction, baserunning development and overall player development.
Beyond her on-field experience, Daniels emphasizes mentorship and helping student-athletes develop confidence, discipline and leadership skills throughout their collegiate careers.
