Danny's Distinction

When asked to describe UCF Director of Athletics and Vice President Dr. Daniel J. White, one head coach tossed out several words. Creative. Innovative. Rare.
 
"He's very present," UCF Women's Basketball Head Coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson said. "He understands what we need as coaches and is very supportive. I took this job because I loved Danny's vision. I'm so thankful that he brought me on because I think he's awesome."
 
It should come as no surprise then that White was named to the SportsBusiness Journal's prestigious Forty Under 40, an annual celebration of the best young talent in sports business, in February. He's being officially recognized by the magazine at a celebration on April 20.
 
Notified in late January, in the midst of the Rise and Conquer Initiative and strategic plan announcements, it took a minute for the news to sink in.
 
"I was a little surprised, but definitely honored to be included with that group," White said. "I think it's a good testament to everything that we've done here, and the teams I worked with at Buffalo and Ole Miss as well. I'm really proud of the way we've advanced UCF in the last 15 months. I think the SBJ folks like what they're seeing as well."
 
And his first call after learning about the distinction? That, of course, went to his wife Shawn.
 
"I talk about how it's our career, not my career," White said. "Since we got married, she's been as invested in what we're doing as I am, probably more so."
 
The White family also makes a point to connect with the coaches and student-athletes, inviting each team over to their home for a family meal.
 
Opening his home to the athletic teams is a family tradition for White. His father Kevin, the athletic director at Duke, and mother Jane have hosted teams for years, setting an example for Danny.
 
He made the tradition his own when he became the director of athletics in Buffalo, and has continued it at UCF.
 
"I really enjoy having the student-athletes over for team dinners," White said. "My kids love to get to know them as well."
 
After graduating from Notre Dame in 2002, White spent two seasons on the Ohio University men's basketball coaching staff. However, he quickly realized that his skills were more suited for the administrative side of the athletics world.
 
The New Orleans native, who played collegiate basketball at Towson and Notre Dame, quickly ascended in the ranks of college athletics leadership. His background has been beneficial in that ascension.
 
"Danny represents a group of athletic administrators who throw out conventional wisdom and tradition and are not afraid to think outside of the box," UCF Volleyball Head Coach Todd Dagenais said. "He has completely transformed the attitude and the future of our athletic department."
 
In the 17 months since he was named AD, White has hired head coaches for football, both basketball programs, men's and women's tennis, baseball and men's soccer.
 
Scott Frost led the Knights to a bowl game in his first season at the helm of the football program. Johnny Dawkins and Abrahamson-Henderson led their respective squads to historic basketball seasons that included postseason victories. John Roddick has the men's tennis team nationally ranked.
 
Away from the playing fields, he has worked diligently to acquire donations and assisted in fund-raising efforts for the Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village.
 
As he was making home run hires and soliciting game-changing gift commitments, White also found the time to complete a doctorate degree in higher education from the University of Mississippi in 2016.
 
White's impressive resume and the praise of his coaches make it clear why the SportsBusiness Journal tabbed him for the newest class of Forty Under 40.
 
"I think Danny White's been amazing," Dawkins said. "He has an amazing understanding of what all the different programs need to be successful, and he finds ways to maximize what they can accomplish. What he's been able to accomplish, the hires he's made, it speaks volumes. I feel fortunate that he included me. I've loved having him as an AD, and I think he's one of the best ADs in the country."