One of the first coaches announced on the staff back in August was Daniel Abdiyah—a resilient competitor on the field, a mentor with heart, and an emerging visionary in the Dallas sports community. From his early days in high school, Abdiyah made certain his athletic drive and adaptability were clear. His passion led him to rugby—a game he found after leaving football, marking the start of a career that would take him into national competititor at the University of North Texas.

Between 2015 and 2022, the backrow forward competed with teams under Major League Rugby developmental systems like NOLA Gold and the dissolved RugbyATL, quickly growing from an amateur to a veteran of the game. His crowning achievement came with the Dallas Rugby Football Club in 2022, when he played a full 80 minutes winning the National Championship with the Reds. Since earning his ring, DK has been inspired by a new, transformative role in fatherhood.

Today, DK serves in Oak Cliff, where his students know him as Coach Yahya. Here, his philosophy extends beyond the game—he connects with student-athletes by helping them realize their potential through sports as he did. Recognizing the discipline and values rugby instilled in him, Yahya uses his experience to shape his students’ lives, seeing himself in their journeys and drawing from his own story to guide them toward positive futures. He balances his innate competitive spirit with a deeply empathetic approach, building  young athletes and pushing them to excel in all aspects.

In his role as Director of Civic Engagement, Daniel’s focus is on fostering leadership through mentorship, emphasizing the long-lasting impact sports can have on personal growth. Through initiatives like DSR’s Men of Valor, he cultivates not only athletic skills but also values of integrity and community service. With his heart set on his family and the betterment of his community, DK remains an inspiring force, ensuring each young athlete has the opportunity to reach new heights.