In 2023, Daniela Tobar became Miami Dade College’s newest assistant volleyball coach.

But she is not new to MDC’s championship tradition.

She is not new to the sweat and sacrifice it takes to be great.

She is not new to the commitment and the confidence it takes to call yourself an MDC Shark.

That’s because Tobar played at MDC as a freshman in 2019, helping the Sharks win a state championship while finishing third at nationals. She also earned Academic All-American honors that season.

A native of Cali, Colombia, Tobar arrived in the United States in 2016. She made a smooth adjustment at Miami’s Braddock High, and she quickly earned a spot on the MDC roster as a libero.

She has now returned to MDC with a purpose – to help her old coach, Kiko Benoit, win yet another national title.

“I had a great experience while attending this institution,” Tobar said. “I want to be part of this volleyball program because it allows student-athletes the opportunity to grow and develop as players and as young women.”

Tobar has had numerous coaching highlights. As an assistant for 305 Volleyball Club, for example, she helped lead the girls’ travel team to the junior national championships for three straight years.

At MDC, she will have a varied list of duties. Among other things, she will help run defensive and passing drills and also assist the coaching staff with strategy and overall game plans.

“Daniela's passion for volleyball extends beyond her playing career as she has discovered she has a talent for coaching,” Benoit said.

Indeed, Tobar has guided and mentored high school and club teams, leading them to victories in state tournaments while also helping to secure bids for national championships.

“Her experiences as a player and a young coach have made her an invaluable asset to MDC,” Benoit said. “She is a shining example to our players of how great of an impact you can make if you have Daniela’s dedication, resilience and unwavering love for volleyball.”

TOBAR HIGHLIGHTS

Hometown: Cali, Colombia 

High School: Braddock (Miami)

College degrees: A.A. in Recreation from Miami Dade College; B.S. in Recreation and Sports Management from Florida International University

Playing highlights: As a freshman at MDC, she made the NJCAA Academic All-American team. As a junior and a senior in high school, she was Braddock’s MVP.

Coaching career:

2018- 2019: Assistant coach for regional teams at Miami Select Volleyball Club

2021: Junior varsity head coach at John A. Ferguson High School

Summer 2022: Nike summer camp coach

2022-2023: Coaching boys’ and girls’ volleyball at Downtown Doral Charter School

2020 to present: head coach of 305 Volleyball Club

2023: MDC assistant coach