Marc Daniels: The Voice of the UCF Knights and a Hall of Fame Legacy
Marc Daniels has been an integral part of the UCF Knights athletic program for nearly three decades. As the radio play-by-play voice for UCF football, men’s basketball, and baseball, Daniels has provided the soundtrack for countless memorable moments in the university's history. His contributions have earned him a place in the 2023 UCF Athletics Hall of Fame Class, a testament to his dedication and impact on the program.
A Broadcasting Icon
Daniels' journey with UCF Athletics began 26 years ago, and the 2023-24 season marks his 29th year behind the microphone. Born in New York and raised in South Florida, Daniels moved to Orlando in 1989 and has since become synonymous with UCF sports. He has called every UCF football game since 1995, creating a legacy that few can match.
To fully appreciate Daniels' impact, consider the breadth of his coverage:
- He has called and covered all 14 of UCF’s bowl games.
- He has covered 9 NCAA Baseball Regionals.
- He has covered all four NCAA Basketball Tournament appearances.
- He has covered three New Year’s Six Bowl games.
- He was there for the Knights’ first-ever bowl win.
- He was there for the first-ever Division I NCAA Tournament win in Basketball.
Daniels has witnessed and narrated UCF’s evolution through multiple conferences, including the A-SUN, MAC, C-USA, AAC, and now the Big 12.
More Than Just a Broadcaster
Beyond his play-by-play duties, Daniels serves as the Director of Broadcasting for UCF Athletics. In this role, he hosts "The Beat of Sports" on 96.9 FM/740 AM The Game and emcees important events such as head coach introductory press conferences and UCF Athletics Hall of Fame ceremonies. His presence extends beyond the broadcast booth, making him a recognizable and respected figure within the UCF community.
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The 2023 UCF Athletics Hall of Fame Class
Daniels is part of an esteemed group of individuals inducted into the 2023 UCF Athletics Hall of Fame. This class includes:
- Gene McDowell: Known as the “Father of UCF Football,” McDowell played a crucial role in growing the program and saving it from financial ruin. He served as both coach and athletic director, securing the football program’s first $1 million donation. McDowell passed away on January 26, 2021, at the age of 81.
- Shelby Turnier: A softball standout from 2012-2015, Turnier was the first player in program history to be named an All-American, earning NFCA Division I All-America First Team honors in 2015. She also led the NCAA in ERA that year.
- DeLaina Sarden: A volleyball star from 2011-2014, Sarden was a three-time AVCA All-American and the first UCF player to win both Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year in her career.
- Kyle Bono: A dominant relief pitcher, Bono set a UCF single-season record with a 0.83 ERA in 2003. He earned All-American honors in 2004 and was drafted by the Boston Red Sox.
- 2007 Cheerleading Team: This team won the national championship, marking the second in program history and breaking a long championship streak held by Kentucky.
- John Hitt: As the fourth President of UCF, Hitt oversaw significant growth in the university's athletic programs and facilities.
The induction ceremony was held at the on-campus Celeste Hotel, honoring these individuals for their outstanding contributions to UCF Athletics.
The Significance of UCF Athletics
UCF's athletic programs play a vital role in the university's identity and community. The annual Space Game is a prime example, honoring UCF's ties to the space industry. Located just 35 miles from Kennedy Space Center, UCF has been involved in over 700 NASA research projects since 1963. The Space Game tradition, which began in 2017, features alternate mascots and space-themed uniforms, creating a unique and exciting event for fans.
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