Since the 1970s Coach McDonald has shepherded the sport of water polo in Texas and contributed nationally to the sport. He adapted the first interscholastic water polo rule book for NISCA, established the Texas Swimming Coaches Association (TISCA) Water Polo Committee and contributed heavily to the establishment of water polo as an official UIL sport. He is recognized as a five-time Texas Water Polo Coach of the Year. For his many contributions, the Houston ISD aquatic championship facility was named the McDonald Family Aquatic Center - “The Mac.”