8/15/2022 9:30:00 AM
Harris-Stowe State University’s Director of Athletics, William A. Carey, is excited to announce Morra Gill McDaniel as the next Head Women’s Basketball Coach.
“From the beginning of our search, Coach Gill McDaniel stood out amongst a very impressive group of candidates and it was clear that she was the individual to lead the Harris-Stowe State University Women’s Basketball program,” Carey said. “Her energy is infectious; her competitive spirit is inspiring and her experience speaks for itself. It is evident that Coach Gill McDaniel is determined to take our women’s basketball program to new heights. I’m thrilled to welcome Coach Gill McDaniel, her husband, Xavier, and their family to Hornet Nation.”
Gill McDaniel comes to Harris-Stowe after most recently coaching at Norfolk State University. While at Norfolk State, Gill McDaniel helped lead NSU to 18 wins, third-most wins while the program had been NCAA Division One and the most since 2001-2002. After her time at Norfolk State, she became a Life Coach with the Xavier McDaniel Foundation, serving her community by hosting clinics, consulting various basketball programs, mentoring athletes and much more.
Prior to Norfolk State, Gill McDaniel spent four seasons as an assistant coach at La Salle where she was responsible for recruiting, scouting, player development and game preparation. She spent her first season as the Director of Women’s Basketball Operations. Under her guidance at La Salle, guard Jasmine Alston led the Atlantic-10 in steals and earned A-10 All-Defensive Team honors in 2014-15 and 2016-17. Gill McDaniel also helped guide two student athletes, Micahya Owens and Alicia Cropper, to 1,000 points in their careers. While at La Salle, she also coached Amy Griffin, who led the A-10 in scoring back-to-back seasons as well as led the Explorers in blocks and Adreana Miller, who led the “Philadelphia Big 5” in free throw percentage. During the 2013-14 season, La Salle Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Jeff Williams (2016-17 A-10 Coach of the Year), and his staff, including Coach Gill McDaniel, guided La Salle to leading the A-10 in scoring defense, field goal percentage defense and 3-point field goal percentage.
“I’m excited to join Harris-Stowe State University,” said Gill McDaniel. “A place that seems like home. As a former student-athlete at a HBCU NAIA, it feels as if my life has come full circle. As the Head Women’s Basketball Coach, my promise is to use my experiences as a graduate assistant, Director of Operations, assistant coach and former player all to build championship character student-athletes! We will show up as a team to be champions in community, in the classroom and on the court!”
Before making her way to La Salle, Gill McDaniel spent four seasons as an assistant coach at Providence College from 2008-12. During the 2009-10 season, the Friars reached the WNIT quarterfinals and Gill McDaniel helped guide Chelsea Marandola to first team All-Big East honors, the program’s first since 1993-94. While at Providence, Gill McDaniel helped sign a top-20 recruiting class that included Alicia Cropper, the number 32 ranked recruit by ESPN Hoop Gurlz, Dr. Lauren Okafor, an eventual Big East All-Freshman honoree, and Tia Tate, who led the Big East in double-doubles in 2011.
Gill McDaniel also spent time at Morehead State, West Virginia Tech and Henderson State. While at West Virginia Tech, she helped guide Orlandrea Moore to NAIA All-America Honorable Mention honors and Shantrelle Matthews, Kierra Wilkins and Marche’ Westray to All-Conference Honorable Mention honors. At Henderson State, she helped guide the program to an Elite 8 appearance.
Assistant Athletic Director, Michael Cook, stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Coach Gill McDaniel to the Athletics Department here at Harris-Stowe State University. We are excited to have her here and to work with her. We are also excited about her enthusiasm and determination for the Women’s basketball team. We are excited to have her family become a part of the Harris-Stowe State University and St. Louis family.”
“Welcome, Coach Morra Gill McDaniel, and thanks for choosing Harris-Stowe State University Athletic Department as your next work home,” said Assistant Athletic Director, Brittany Stewart. “You’re one of us now and we couldn’t be prouder. Just as eager as we are to meet you in this department, your team is more excited. With your experience, skills and winning mindset, we know you’ll accomplish amazing things here. On behalf of the athletic department, we welcome you and your family.”
Gill McDaniel played four seasons at Dillard University, and NAIA HBCU, reaching the NAIA National Tournament in both 2001 and 2002, when she was named a co-captain. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Dillard University in 2002. Gill McDaniel went on to earn her Master of Science in Sports Administration from Henderson State University in 2004.
“My husband and sons are looking forward to being in the St. Louis Community as a member of the Harris-Stowe State University family!” said Gill McDaniel.
Gill McDaniel is married to National Basketball Association (NBA) Legend, Xavier McDaniel, NBA All-Star and member of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. The McDaniel Family includes Alicia (TJ), Xylina, Xavier Jr., Max Love and Dax Love.
