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ATHENS, Ohio – The Ohio softball team has added graduate transfer Rylee McDaniel to the roster for the 2026 season, head coach Jenna Hall announced today (Aug. 18). McDaniel comes to Ohio after spending the last two seasons at San Francisco State. 

"We are very excited to add Rylee to our roster for the upcoming year," Hall said. "Rylee brings championship experience and success on all sides of the ball to our team. Her experiences brings great leadership and a big picture view to our program's goals. I am excited to see mix in with our veterans and push our teams competitiveness."

McDaniel spent 2024 and 2025 at San Francisco State. Last season, McDaniel was named D2CCA All-West Region First Team and All-CCAA First Team. She was also named CCAA Tournament MVP and was named CSC Academic All-District. During the season, the Ventura, Calif. native played in 56 games with 55 starts. She hit .338 with 47 hits including 22 for extra bases. She also hit 12 home runs setting a single season record and finished the season second on the team in RBI (37) and runs (39).

Prior to San Francisco State, McDaniel attended Oxnard College from 2021-23, where she played the 2022 season. In 2022, McDaniel played 21 games, batted .482 with nine home runs, 23 runs, 17 RBI, and three stolen bases. McDaniel attended San José State from 2020-21. 

As a junior at Saint Bonaventure High School, McDaniel was named Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-County. As a sophomore, named Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-County and as a freshman, was part of the CIF championship team that went undefeated. She also played club for Easton Preps.

McDaniel is the daughter of Julie and Kevin, and has three older brother, Matt, Dylan and Cameron. 

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