Kati Hemstalk, the wife of Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, is much more than her public title.
A California native with a successful career as an esthetician and cosmetologist, Kati has led a life marked by dedication to her craft and family.
Since their marriage in 2014, Kati and Mike have shared a life away from the spotlight, but their relationship and family values have always taken center stage.
Early Life and Family Background
Kati was born in Oroville, California, in 1983. She was raised in a supportive family and is the daughter of Kirk and Kristy Hemstalk, who have been married for an impressive 45 years.
Kati’s father, Kirk, works with Caltrans, California’s Department of Transportation, where he holds a managerial role and contributes to the state’s infrastructure.
Her mother, Kristy, is a Senior Financial Grants Expert at the Butte County Office of Education, handling complex financial responsibilities to support community educational programs.
Kati also has one sibling, her brother Aaron Hemstalk, with whom she shares a close relationship.
Posted by Kristy Hemstalk on Sunday, October 7, 2012
Kati’s path into cosmetology began after she completed high school in California.
She then pursued higher education and eventually earned a bachelor’s degree.
She developed a passion for skincare and beauty, gaining professional credentials early in her career.
According to records from the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Kati has held an esthetician’s license since 2005.
She further expanded her qualifications in 2011 by becoming a licensed cosmetologist, a role she held on May 31, 2025.
With years of experience in the industry, Kati has developed a reputation for her expertise in skin health and beauty treatments.
However, she has chosen not to seek the public attention that often comes with high-profile careers.
Mike McDaniel Has Been Married To His Wife For Over A Decade
Kati and Mike McDaniel’s love story began in 2010 when they first met in a nightclub.
At the time, Mike was beginning to make his way up in the NFL coaching world.
The couple’s shared values and mutual respect allowed their relationship to grow, and after four years together, they married on June 21, 2014, in a heartfelt ceremony held in Ashburn, Virginia.
Thank you to all of our family and friends that were able to take part in the celebration of Katie and Michael's …
Posted by Kristy Hemstalk on Monday, June 23, 2014
A treasured wedding photo, posted by Kati’s mother, shows Kati as a vision in a classic white gown, looking elegant and glowing as she and Mike celebrated their union.
The couple’s relationship has been one of mutual support and understanding, especially as Mike’s coaching career has grown in prominence.
Throughout various moves and team changes, Kati has been a constant source of stability and support for Mike.
Family Life and Parenthood
In 2020, Katie and Mike McDaniel welcomed their first child, a daughter named Alya June.
This new addition brought a new focus on family and deepened their bond.
Despite Mike’s high-profile position as head coach, Mike McDaniel’s wife and Mike are highly private, preferring to keep their family life out of the public eye.
They are not active on social media and make few public appearances together, reserving their privacy for close friends and family.
New Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel with his wife, Katie, and daughter, Ayla. pic.twitter.com/mdHim8zrcE
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) February 10, 2022
However, on the rare occasions when Mike McDaniel’s wife does attend events with her husband, their easy camaraderie and evident respect for each other shine through.
Friends and colleagues close to the couple often describe Kati as grounded, warm, and supportive—a perfect balance to Mike’s intense and driven personality in professional sports.
Mike McDaniel’s Wife Remains Away from the Spotlight
While Kati’s life as the wife of an NFL head coach may appear glamorous, she has consistently chosen to maintain a quieter lifestyle, emphasizing her family, career, and personal interests.
Known to have a deep interest in wellness and skincare, she is considered highly skilled in her field.
After a break from formal work, she may eventually return to cosmetology in some capacity.
Kati’s decision to avoid social media has made her a mystery in public circles.
Fans of Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins have little insight into Kati’s day-to-day life, and she prefers it that way.
Despite this, her influence on Mike and her role in his life is undeniably profound. Mike has mentioned his gratitude for his family, which is his anchor in an otherwise fast-paced and sometimes stressful career in professional football.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- The family of three lives in Miami, where McDaniel became the head coach of the Miami Dolphins in 2022.
- Mike McDaniel is biracial. His mother is white, and his father is black.
- McDaniel’s relationship with the NFL began when, as a child, seeking autographs at the Broncos’ training camp at the University of Northern Colorado.
