Instructor pilot helps Air Force win gold

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Meredith Dilley
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS --  Major Keith McDaniel did not expect that at age 35 he'd still have the opportunity to play soccer on the national stage. McDaniel, a T-6 instructor pilot in the 97th Flying Training Squadron, was one of eighteen individuals selected to compete on the All Air Force Soccer Team for this year's tournament.

McDaniel, who is now in the Air Force Reserves, first competed with the team in 2001 and 2002 when he first came on active duty.

"It's funny looking back now," McDaniel said. "Back then, I was the young guy who could run all over the place. I was the oldest guy on the team this year."

The same thing could be said of McDaniel's role as a pilot.

"It's interesting being here as an instructor, because I see all the same mistakes I used to make. Back then, I could be the young guy that provided the energy on the team or in the squadron. Now I'm looked to more for my experience. I've taken a step back into a leadership role in both situations."

The Air Force soccer team won gold in October in the all Armed Forces tournament, defeating Navy, the Marines and Army on two occasions.

In the 26 days McDaniel competed, he participated in 62 training sessions and 11 games and scrimmages. "I'm still feeling sore from it," he said.

Soccer is not the only Air Force level sport in which Airmen can participate. "A lot of Airmen don't know about these opportunities and miss out," McDaniel said.

Other sports include men's and women's basketball, softball and volleyball, bowling, golf and shooting. The application process is competitive and requires the approval of one's commander.

Individuals on sports teams also have an opportunity to compete internationally on all-Armed Services teams every other year.

The Air Force teams are a mix of officers and enlisted personnel. "There was even a 19 year old Airman on our team," McDaniel said.

The Air Force also supports the Air Force Services World Class Athlete Program, which gives Air Force personnel the opportunity to train and compete nationally and internationally for two years with the goal of being selected to compete on the U.S. Olympic team.

"I really want to thank my chain of command for letting me go on this trip," McDaniel said. "This was my first opportunity to play on the team in 10 years. The competition was a really great opportunity to showcase teamwork in the Air Force. Whether we are fighting together in war or in a friendly soccer tournament, we all bring something credible to the fight."

For more information on Air Force sports teams and the World Class Athlete Program, visit www.USAFsports.com.