Prayers Pouring In After College Basketball Coach Dies At 34 originally appeared on The Spun.
Prayers are pouring in after a 34-year-old college basketball assistant coach has died.
Daniel Waln, assistant coach for men’s basketball at Saint Leo University, has died. He was reportedly killed in a two-car accident while visiting with family in North Carolina. Waln, who previously coached at Coastal Carolina, was a standout athlete in high school before getting into coaching.
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The former college basketball assistant coach played baseball, football and basketball, winning several championships and accolades at the high school level.
Prayers are pouring in for his friends and family members following this difficult loss.
NCAA ball. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Christian Petersen/Getty Images
“We are heartbroken by the sudden and tragic loss of Coach . Daniel was more than a coach, he was a mentor, a leader, and a bright spirit who made a profound impact on our student-athletes and the entire Saint Leo family. His passion for the game and commitment to our university were evident in everything he did. We will miss him deeply, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who have the privilege of knowing him,” St. Leo AD Marcal Lazenby said.
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The school’s head coach, Spencer Henke, added: “It’s a tragic loss for our program, our university, and the entire college basketball community. Coach Waln made a profound impact on every life he touched, and I am beyond thankful for his commitment to helping me grow our program to the level I believe Saint Leo men’s basketball can and should be at. His passion, enthusiasm, and desire to make the most of every moment will live with me and our players for the rest of our lives. My condolences to the Waln family and all those impacted by this tragic loss. Please keep his loved ones and our program in your thoughts and prayers.”
Our thoughts are with his friends and family members during this difficult time.
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May he rest in peace.
It’s a tragic story.
Prayers Pouring In After College Basketball Coach Dies At 34 first appeared on The Spun on Jul 23, 2025
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
