Daniel Waln was hired as an assistant men’s basketball coach on first-year head coach Spencer Henke’s inaugural coaching staff during the 2024-25 season. Waln joined the Lions in November following a three-month stint at Santa Fe Community College.
Waln brings a plethora of NCAA Division II experience to the Lions bench.
Prior to Santa Fe, Waln severed at the Recruiting Coordinator and Assistant Coach for Coastal Carolina University's men's basketball program, where he specialized in player development, game planning, and opponent scouting. His leadership in skill development for post players and his effectiveness as a lead recruiter have contributed significantly to the team's success. Waln also managed recruiting visits, oversaw social media, and coordinated community service initiatives, demonstrating his versatility on and off the court.
Waln’s division II experience includes stops at Catwaba College, West Viriginia Wesleyan College, and Lees-McRae College. At Catawba he served as Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, where he led efforts that resulted in four NCAA Tournament appearances and three South Atlantic Conference Championships. His recruiting acumen brought in two Player of the Year honorees and multiple All-League performers, while his offensive game planning and leadership elevated the program to new heights. Waln has also held coaching roles at West Virginia Wesleyan, Lees-McRae, and as a Special Assistant at Coastal Carolina during his first stint with the Chantecleers , building a reputation for signing top-ranked recruiting classes and developing award-winning players.
A 2013 graduate of Appalachian State University with a degree in Physical Education, Waln was recognized as a NABC "30 under 30" award winner for his coaching achievements. With a mission to inspire and develop athletes to reach their full potential, Waln combines his strategic mindset, recruiting expertise, and dedication to athlete development to build successful basketball programs.
