MARIETTA, Ohio — Marietta College named
John O'Donnell as its next head men's and women's tennis coach.
"I would like to thank President Ruud,
Larry Hiser, the administration, staff, and my new colleagues for this fantastic opportunity to lead the Marietta College Men's and Women's tennis programs," said O'Donnell. "It will be exciting to continue relationships I have made previously and to build new ones with our student-athletes, colleagues, alumni, and the Marietta Community."
O'Donnell has had a long-time relationship with Marietta College as he is the child of two beloved former professors, Dr. Jim and Dr. Mabry O'Donnell. "Having literally grown up here at Marietta College, it remains a special place for me, and I am eager to get to work."
After being a part of and owning some successful business ventures in Virginia, Texas, and in his home state of Ohio, O'Donnell decided to transition to the world of education. In what he considers a "full-circle" moment, O'Donnell sought to make a difference in many young lives as his parents did for many students at Marietta College.
In 2014, O'Donnell finished his teaching certification and began work as Special Education Teacher at Lopez Middle School in San Antonio, Texas. As he was actively teaching life skills and supporting behavior goals for his students, O'Donnell became part the school's tennis coaching staff. With a lifelong passion for the sport, he built a program that grew exponentially over the next seven years, winning multiple district and individual titles during this time.
This last year, in a another "full circle" moment, O'Donnell decided to return home to lend a helping hand to his parents. He also got to continue his teaching career, accepting a job at Marietta Elementary School. Along with teaching, O'Donnell took on the role of head coach of the Marietta Middle School tennis team and assistant girls and boys varsity tennis coach at Marietta High School.
O'Donnell played on the tennis team at Marietta High School and continued playing throughout the following years, although nagging injuries kept him from competing collegiately. O'Donnell's passion for the game has not wavered over the years. He believes he has the ability to communicate and instruct present, and potentially future, Pioneers on what it takes to succeed on tennis courts and in the classroom.
A native of Marietta, Ohio, O'Donnell graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Phoenix and Master of Business Administration from Liberty University. He is a member of the U.S. Tennis Association. In addition to his coaching experience at the high school and collegiate level, O'Donnell has extensive experience giving private instruction and has held many camps and clinics.
Fans can follow all the Pioneer teams all year long at
pioneers.marietta.edu. You can also follow the Pioneers on Facebook at
facebook.com/MariettaCollege and @MariettaPioneer on Twitter and Instagram.
