Daniel Herst Kaplan

LOS ALTOS, CA - Daniel H. Kaplan, 58, passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack on Monday, April 3, 2023, in North Lake Tahoe. Dan, or "Danny" and "Uncle Dan" as his immediate family knew him, was born on March 30, 1965, at Stanford Hospital on the Stanford University campus. He grew up in Los Altos Hills, California, where he attended local schools and graduated from Los Altos High School in 1983.

Dan was a sports fanatic from an early age, and especially loved to play tennis and basketball in his youth. He was fiercely competitive with his older brother on the tennis court, and in 1-on-1 driveway basketball he relished his triumphs. Following graduation from UCLA in 1987, he returned to the Bay Area, where he turned his sports energy into coaching and was an assistant basketball coach at Mitty High School in San Jose for several years.

Dan had an entrepreneurial mindset and a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Beginning in the late 1990s, he applied these skills and sports passions to embark on what became an almost 20-year tenure as the college recruiting coordinator at Vision Volleyball, one of the premier women's volleyball clubs in Northern California. Dan assisted families from all over the Bay Area navigate the college recruiting process, helping countless young athletes reach their dreams of playing collegiate volleyball. Later and up until his death, Dan ran his own information web portal and consulting business continuing to work with young aspiring athletes. With Dan's gregarious nature, he maintained ties with families of players for years after athletes had completed their collegiate experience, and developed close friendships and working relationships with many college coaches throughout the United States.

Uncle Dan was devoted to his family and loved the art of fun and surprise. He once walked up to a famous former Stanford quarterback whom he had never previously met, and convinced him to record a voice mail for his nephew who was a big Stanford fan. This is just one of many creative gifts he made happen for those he loved. If there was a debate around the dinner table--on any issue!--he'd be sure to take a contrarian view to keep the conversation animated. Most of all, he was a most selfless and big-hearted person, always looking out for others, helping others reach their goals, and the first to be there when someone was in need. His boundless optimism and caring personality will be sorely missed by family and friends alike.

Dan is survived by his parents, Daniel and Rosemary Kaplan; brother, David Kaplan (Lisa); and sister, Deborah Kaplan (John Bartkowiak). He is also survived by nephews Alex, Matthew, and Eli and niece Maya, as well as numerous friends to whom he was also an "uncle" and "brother." He is predeceased by his beloved sister, Lisabeth. Family services will be private. For those wishing to make a donation, please choose any cause close to your heart, or one that supports scholarships towards youth sports.