30 Facts About Danae Hays

Early Life and Education

Danae Hays' journey began in a small town in Alabama, where her love for sports and comedy would later shape her career.

1. Danae Hays grew up in a small town in Alabama, attending Mortimer Jordan High School.
2. She was named an Under Armour All-American and was a four-time all-state and all-metro selection in softball.

Softball Career

Hays' athletic prowess shone brightly during her high school and college years, making her a standout in the softball community.

3. Hays played shortstop and hit .252 with a career-high seven home runs during her senior year at the University of Alabama.
4. In 2012, she was named an NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete.
5. She appeared in 57 games, with 52 starts, and hit five home runs with 21 RBI while batting .253.

High School Achievements

Her high school years were marked by remarkable achievements that set the stage for her future endeavors.

6. At Mortimer Jordan High School, Hays helped lead her team to three state titles (2008-09, 2011) and a state-record 59 consecutive wins.
7. She finished her prep career with 226 RBI, 48 home runs, and a .770 slugging percentage.

Personal Background

Danae's family and early experiences played a crucial role in shaping her character and career.

8. Hays is the daughter of Ken and Denise Hays.
9. She has an older sister named Danielle and started playing softball at the age of five.

Career Transition

After her college softball career, Hays found a new passion that would take her in a different direction.

10. Hays transitioned into the world of comedy and content creation, making funny videos that poked fun at her Southern upbringing.
11. Her humorous videos quickly gained her a large following on TikTok.

TikTok Fame

Danae's comedic talent and relatable content have made her a beloved figure on social media.

12. Over the last few years, Danae Hays has become one of TikTok's biggest comedy stars.
13. Her videos often feature her Southern roots and her wife Mandie Kaii, creating a humorous and relatable dynamic.

Comedy Tour

Taking her comedy to the stage, Hays embarked on a tour that brought her closer to her fans.

14. In 2023, Hays embarked on a 28-city standup tour, starting July 19.
15. This tour marked a significant step in her career, as she aimed to expand her audience beyond social media.

Music Career

Danae's creativity extends beyond comedy, as she has also ventured into the world of music.

16. Hays has released singles like "All It Takes" and "Rode Hard."
17. Her music style blends early '90s country sound with satire, working with real Nashville songwriters.

Marriage and Relationship

Danae's personal life, including her relationship with Mandie Kaii, has been a significant part of her public persona.

18. Hays met her wife Mandie Kaii through Instagram in 2016.
19. The two got married on April 3, 2021, and were together for four years before announcing their split on social media in August 2024.

Coming Out Journey

Hays' journey to self-acceptance and coming out has been both challenging and inspiring.

20. At age 9, Hays admitted to her mother that she felt attracted to girls.
21. Her parents later sent her to a Christian counselor, but after a negative experience with a "conversion therapy" counselor, Hays came out as gay at age 25 on social media.

Supportive Community

Despite facing challenges, Hays found support in her community, which helped her embrace her identity.

22. Some of her old teachers reached out to her, expressing their love and acceptance.
23. This support was reassuring and comforting for Hays.

Embracing Identity

Danae has used her platform to share her experiences and encourage others to embrace their true selves.

24. Her motto is "Those that mind don’t matter, and those that matter don’t mind."
25. Hays has been open about her journey, using her platform to share her experiences and encourage others to embrace their identities.

LGBTQ Advocacy

As an advocate for the LGBTQ community, Hays believes in speaking openly about challenges faced by LGBTQ youth.

26. She emphasizes the importance of creating safe and welcoming communities for all individuals.
27. Hays' advocacy work has made her an inspirational figure for many.

Social Media Impact

Danae's presence on social media has allowed her to connect with millions of people and share her life experiences.

28. With over 3 million followers on TikTok, Hays has used her platform to share her life experiences, offer fitness advice, and poke fun at Southern culture.
29. Her content often features her wife Mandie Kaii, creating a humorous and relatable dynamic.

Tour Performances

Hays' energetic and engaging performances have made her a favorite at comedy clubs and theaters.

30. She has performed at various comedy clubs and theaters across the South and Midwest, including a show at TPAC's James K. Polk theater on October 17, 2024.

Danae Hays: A Multifaceted Talent

Danae Hays has made waves in comedy, music, and social media. From her early days as a standout softball player in Alabama to becoming a TikTok sensation, Hays has shown versatility and resilience. Her journey includes a successful college softball career, a transition to comedy, and a foray into music. Hays' openness about her LGBTQ identity and her advocacy work have inspired many. Her comedy tour and music releases highlight her creative range. Despite personal challenges, including her split from Mandie Kaii, Hays remains focused on her career and her fans. With over 3 million TikTok followers, she continues to engage and entertain. Danae Hays' story is one of perseverance, self-acceptance, and creative expression. Her impact on the LGBTQ community and her ability to connect with audiences make her a truly remarkable figure.