Lindsey “LJ” McDaniel, Jr.

School:  Stephens High School

Occupation:  Retired Teach/Coach/Business Professional

In 1952, LJ McDaniel graduated from Stephens High School being remembered not only as Class Valedictorian but also as one of the most decorated athletes in the school’s history. His efforts would garner attention from schools all over the Southeast, including Savannah State, Tuskegee, and Morris Brown College.

During McDaniel’s senior season, Stephens High School would win the State Championship in basketball. McDaniel was named the Most Valuable Player of the state tournament while leading the team in scoring during the state tournament. LJ’s brother Zeke is a member of the Calhoun-Gordon County Sports Hall of Fame and they both earned basketball scholarships to attend Savannah State together.

While at Savannah State, McDaniel would also become a member of the football and track and field teams. He would letter all four years in each of these sports. As a football player, McDaniel led the conference in receiving yards all four years. As a basketball player, he started as a Freshman and would earn the Freshman of the Year Award. For four straight years, McDaniel went undefeated in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 440-meter races in track. These efforts led McDaniel to be named The Most Outstanding All-Around Male Athlete all four years at Savannah State.

After graduating college, McDaniel served two years in the United States Army, where he did a tour in South Korea. While in the Army, McDaniel was a member of the Track and Field team and was the Eighth Army Champion in the 100, 220, and 440-meter races.

After his stint with the Army, McDaniel returned to Stephens High School to succeed his brother as Head Boys Basketball Coach. In 1959, Coach McDaniel led Stephens High to a state championship. McDaniel would move on to coach basketball at Summer Hill High School in Cartersville, GA, where he would lead his team to a Region Title in 1962.
McDaniel would leave the education field to go to work for Lockheed Martin, where he worked as a Contract Administrator until his retirement in 1999. He also served on the City Council in Cartersville.
McDaniel was married to the late Mary Richey McDaniel for 60 years. His son, Lindsey H. McDaniel, works as a counselor for Hampton Elementary School in Henry County and coaches AAU Basketball. His daughter, Valerie McDaniel Davis, is a retired postal worker.