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Softball

Eli Daniel Announces End to Her Collegiate Career

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Mizzou Softball senior Eli Daniel announced on Thursday that she will not utilize a year of extra eligibility, and she will end her college career.

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Mizzou Softball senior Eli Daniel announced on Thursday that she will not utilize a year of extra eligibility, and she will end her college career. 

Daniel made the following statement:

"I have loved being a Mizzou Tiger the past three years, and I wouldn't trade a minute of my time here. Playing in the SEC has been a dream come true. The support I have received from family, friends and Mizzou fans means more to me than anyone could know. While I love softball and Mizzou so much, I will not be taking my extra year of eligibility, and will be ending my college career. This decision was very difficult to make, but it is time for the next chapter. God does everything for a reason, and I know he has a plan for me. To my teammates: I love y'all more than words can describe. Y'all have made my senior year so special, and I couldn't have asked for a better support system. And thank you to Coach Anderson and our staff for helping to mold me into the woman I am today. Y'all are gonna kill it next year. M-I-Z!"

The Locust Grove, Ga., native will pursue a career in coaching. 

Head coach Larissa Anderson said: "She's going to be very successful wherever she does land. Hopefully she has an opportunity this next season, if not she has a lot of people in her corner to help her through that. She's been amazing for this program. Having a senior to come in the role that she did." 

Daniel transferred to Mizzou after spending 2017 at Brenau University at the NAIA level, becoming one of the nation's best pitchers at that level. In 2019, she transitioned into a closer role, helping the Tigers win several games in the late innings. She ended the season second in the NCAA in saves, finishing with 11.

Despite having a shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Daniel finished the 2020 season in elite company. She was one of two pitchers in the nation to post at least six wins and five saves. She struck out 38 batters in only 24.2 inning, posting a 12.67 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Daniel had six perfect outings on the year, and had four games with at least five strikeouts.

In two and a half seasons, she struck out 132 batters in 135.1 innings. She lowered her ERA from 4.87 down to 1.42 from her first Division I season to her final, and finished with a 13-8 record and 16 saves.