Born and raised in Southern Maryland, Daniel moved to Pensacola, Florida in 1985 where he attended high school and swam for the Greater Pensacola Acquatic Club.  Under the guidance of Coach Steve Bultman, he qualified for the 1988 US Olympic Team in the 100m breastroke at the age of 17.  Following high school, Daniel attended the University of Texas where he swam on two National Championship Men's teams.  His senior year, he was voted co-captain of the team.  He earned his BA at the University of Texas and his MBA at the University of San Francisco.

He now resides in Dallas, TX with his wife Alex and their two daughters. 2009 was the first year Daniel swam with SAA when he participated in the San Francisco Bay Swim. In 2010 he will again swim San Francisco but will also participate in the inaugural Baltimore swim. He swims in memory of his Aunt Charlotte Watters who loser her battle with cancer in 2001 and in support of his nephew Lindsey Watters who is currently undergoing treatment.