Barbara Daniel began coaching in Halifax in 1975 while also competing as a foil fencer. She competed for Nova Scotia at the Canada Games in Brandon (1975) and Lethbridge (1979).

Over her career, Barbara founded six fencing clubs, most recently the Damocles Club of Fredericton. She coached at the Canada Games eight times — representing Nova Scotia in 1991 and 1995, and New Brunswick in 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2013.

At the national level, Barbara served as the National Women’s Épée coach at the 1993 FISU Games (Buffalo), the 1995 World Championships (Netherlands), and the 1997 FISU Games (Sicily). She was the Weapon Leader for the National Women’s Épée program from 1997 to 2000. She also served as Team Manager at the 1994 Junior World Championships (Mexico), the 1999 World Championships (Seoul), and the 2001 Junior World Championships (Poland).