From the time he could walk, Kyle McDaniel had a bat in his hand. Growing up in Pahrump, surrounded by red dirt fields and a tight-knit community, he quickly found his passion for baseball—and thanks to supportive parents, talented coaches, and his own relentless drive, he’s turned that passion into a thriving collegiate career as a second baseman at Utah Tech University.
Kyle, a 2023 graduate of Pahrump Valley High School, now plays second base for Utah Tech in St. George, Utah. For him, choosing Utah Tech wasn’t a difficult decision. “It’s beautiful and close to home—just about three hours away,” Kyle said. “The coaching staff really reached out and made me feel wanted. They gave me an opportunity, and that’s all I needed.” The proximity also means that his parents, Keele and Mark McDaniel, can often come watch him play—a major factor in his decision. “My mom and dad have always been there for me. Knowing they could still be part of this journey meant everything.”
Kyle’s baseball story doesn’t start in college—it goes back to early childhood, playing Little League in Pahrump before expanding into more competitive travel ball. “When I was really little, I played local ball here in town,” he said. “But once the Little League season would end, my parents went above and beyond. They’d drive my brother and me to Las Vegas for club baseball, just so we could keep playing and growing.” That commitment paid off. Kyle gained experience not just from competing in Pahrump, but also from high-level club teams in the Las Vegas area. “It gave me the best of both worlds,” he said. “That exposure helped prepare me for the college level—new faces, new challenges every year. You have to show up, adapt quickly, and do your job no matter what.”
Now having completed his second year at Utah Tech, Kyle balances life as a student-athlete with discipline and dedication. His schedule is a grind, but one he embraces. “In the fall, we’re up at 7 a.m. for weights, then it’s off to class, then individualized work or team practice around 2 p.m. Depending on the day, we might have study hours after that,” he explained. “Once the season starts, it’s even more intense—games about four days a week, and on the off days we’re still practicing and lifting. It’s a full-time commitment, but it’s 100 percent worth it.”
While he focuses intensely on baseball, Kyle is also pursuing a degree in business management. Though he’s still exploring specific interests within that field, he appreciates the flexibility and future opportunities it provides. “Right now I’m open to where it takes me,” he said. “But having a plan outside of sports is important too.”
Being a collegiate-athlete has shaped Kyle in lasting ways. “It’s taught me accountability and discipline,” he said. “You don’t have your parents there waking you up or checking your schedule. You’ve got to do it all yourself. That responsibility carries over into every part of life.” The lessons he’s learned on and off the field have molded him into someone who doesn’t just show up—he shows up ready.
Reflecting on his high school years, Kyle didn’t hesitate when asked about his favorite memory. “Winning state my senior year—that’s definitely the highlight,” he said. “It was such a special group. We all grew up together. That final team was really like family.” He still treasures the small-town feeling and camaraderie of Pahrump. “There’s just something about growing up with the same people from elementary through high school. Everybody’s together through everything. I miss that.”
At the collegiate level, Kyle’s talent has continued to shine. In his time at Utah Tech, he’s earned accolades that speak to both his skill and character. “I made the All-WAC Second Team, and I was named Student of the Year at Utah Tech,” he said. “It felt amazing. That kind of validation for all the work I’ve put in—it’s really cool.”
Looking ahead, Kyle has big dreams. As a junior next year, he hopes to enter the MLB draft. “That’s the goal. We’ll see how it pans out,” he said. “But if it doesn’t work out, I’ll stay at Utah Tech and finish my four years strong.”
Throughout his journey, Kyle’s been supported by an extensive network of mentors and loved ones. “My parents, obviously—they’ve sacrificed so much for me. My coaches, George Alonso, Brian Hayes, Roy Uyeno, Thom Walker, Tom Metscher—they all played huge roles in getting me here,” he said. “And my brother, Chase. He played four years at Minnesota State and even played a bit of independent pro ball. He’s always been someone I’ve looked up to.”
Kyle still holds on to the memories and friendships from his Pahrump days. And while his college teammates may not call him “Smalls”—the nickname he wore proudly from childhood through high school—he still keeps the memory alive. “I even put it on my glove freshman year,” he said with a laugh. “Some people still call me that when I’m back home.”
As Kyle continues chasing his dreams with grit and gratitude, he serves as a reminder to younger athletes that making it to the next level is possible. It takes hard work, sacrifice, and support—but as Kyle’s story proves, the journey is more than worth it.
