University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Brendan O'Donnell Joins UNC Asheville Baseball Coaching Staff
07.16.2025 | Baseball
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Brendan O'Donnell has joined the UNC Asheville Baseball coaching staff as the program's new assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, announced today (Wednesday, July 16) by interim head coach Alex Raburn.
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O'Donnell spent the 2025 season on staff at his graduate alma mater James Madison, working primarily with the hitters and outfielders.
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"I've known Brendan O'Donnell for a long time, having coached him at both Rider and JMU," said Raburn. "He's incredibly hard-working, loyal and has outstanding character. I'm so excited to have him join our staff. Brendan has a natural connection with players - he communicates well, builds trust quickly and leads by example. As our recruiting coordinator and outfield coach, he'll bring great energy, a relentless work ethic and a deep understanding of the game that will be a tremendous asset to our program."
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O'Donnell played his 2024 season at James Madison, hitting .312 with 16 home runs helping JMU advance to the N.C. State regional in the NCAA tournament. He was also named to the Sun Belt Conference All-Tournament Team.
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Prior to JMU, he was a four-year member of the baseball team at Rider. He was an All-Conference selection in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) in 2022, before being named a Preseason All-American in 2023. He holds both the Rider single-season and career home run records, having helped Rider to two MAAC tournament championships and two NCAA regional appearances. In 2023, he was a member of the team that defeated No. 1 seed Coastal Carolina in their opening game. He was also a three-time selection to the All-MAAC Academic Team.
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I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this program," said O'Donnell. "Alex is a great leader and baseball mind, and I'm excited to work alongside him and Matt. I'm looking forward to developing the young men within our program into winners on and off the field."
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O'Donnell holds a pair of bachelor's degrees from Rider in Business Administration and Sport Management (2023). He is working on his master's degree in Sport and Recreation Leadership from JMU.
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O'Donnell spent the 2025 season on staff at his graduate alma mater James Madison, working primarily with the hitters and outfielders.
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"I've known Brendan O'Donnell for a long time, having coached him at both Rider and JMU," said Raburn. "He's incredibly hard-working, loyal and has outstanding character. I'm so excited to have him join our staff. Brendan has a natural connection with players - he communicates well, builds trust quickly and leads by example. As our recruiting coordinator and outfield coach, he'll bring great energy, a relentless work ethic and a deep understanding of the game that will be a tremendous asset to our program."
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O'Donnell played his 2024 season at James Madison, hitting .312 with 16 home runs helping JMU advance to the N.C. State regional in the NCAA tournament. He was also named to the Sun Belt Conference All-Tournament Team.
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Prior to JMU, he was a four-year member of the baseball team at Rider. He was an All-Conference selection in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) in 2022, before being named a Preseason All-American in 2023. He holds both the Rider single-season and career home run records, having helped Rider to two MAAC tournament championships and two NCAA regional appearances. In 2023, he was a member of the team that defeated No. 1 seed Coastal Carolina in their opening game. He was also a three-time selection to the All-MAAC Academic Team.
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I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this program," said O'Donnell. "Alex is a great leader and baseball mind, and I'm excited to work alongside him and Matt. I'm looking forward to developing the young men within our program into winners on and off the field."
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O'Donnell holds a pair of bachelor's degrees from Rider in Business Administration and Sport Management (2023). He is working on his master's degree in Sport and Recreation Leadership from JMU.
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