Jessica O'DonnellClaim this profile

Women's SoftballJessica O'Donnell

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Kent State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Walking on eggshells. Feelings and emotions being dismissed. An environment of spying and snitching on teammates. That is what you get when you are around Jessica O'Donnell. She feeds off of young girls who grow up in homes with a rougher upbringing and sees it as an opportunity to "be a mom" to those girls. She is far from a mom to them. She feeds them lies and manipulates them. She turns players against one another and breeds an environment of fear and distrust. The 2 years I spent with her were some of the lowest years of my life. I was living in fight or flight for those years, and it has been extremely difficult trying to unlearn the fight or flight feelings and behaviors I developed even now that she is gone. I hope she takes the time to invest into herself, grow and heal. And I hope no one ever gets treated the way we were treated by her. She broke a lot of hearts, souls, and nervous systems. College athletics is hard, and we know that. But you can still coach hard with basic human respect and decency. Treat people like people. Not like property. Jessica O'Donnell - I hope you find peace. But I also hope you never coach young women ever again. And I hope you stop posting your own reviews on this website, it is apparent.

Women's SoftballJessica O'Donnell

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Kent State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

5.0

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• 

Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

HonestDedicated To PlayersFairKnows The GameGreat Leader

It's funny to me how people can have such wildly different experiences. Coach made a positive impact on me as both an athlete and a person. College athletics and life require accountability, honesty with yourself, and the resilience to overcome adversity. I am immensely grateful that I had Coach Jess in my corner and support system while navigating being a student athlete. Our team culture was a supportive environment. We had team rules and expectations without a doubt. They weren't complicated or excessive (I didn't know underage drinking was legal now for some?). If broken, there were consequences and follow through. Shockingly being held accountable for perhaps the first time ruffled some feathers. Coach Jess allowed us to grow, prepared us, and enabled us to be strong, confident women. I will continue to speak highly of her because that is the honest truth. She cares enormously for her student athletes and I wish there were more coaches like her.

Women's SoftballJessica O'Donnell

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Kent State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

1.0

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• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Mentally and emotionally abusive. Jessica is a good for nothing “coach”. You get injured? You say something she doesn’t like? You are the devil in her eyes. Turns players against each other. Lies about everything. Injured players forced to play or pushed to the side like they are piles of hot trash. Treats players like they aren’t humans. Jessica, you are the reason your past players resent the game they play. Shame on you for everything you stand for. Shame on you for having no morals. You are HORRIBLE.

Women's SoftballJessica O'Donnell

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Kent State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

2.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

2.0

Caring

2.0

Motivational

2.0

Knowledgeable

3.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor CommunicationIntense

Mentally abusive to team members- making players play on injuries and making team members snitch to coaches about things girls say behind their backs

Women's SoftballJessica O'Donnell

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Kent State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

1.0

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• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

IntensePoor Communication

I wish there were good things I could say about playing under her at Kent State. I was mentally abused. Some of my teammates were physically abused. All I am going to do is post an article and hope that if you need a real review you read it. Please never play under her. https://www.si.com/onsi/softball/news/coach-linked-to-maryland-softball-assistant-job-accused-of-mental-physical-abuse-at-previous-schools-jessica-odonnell

Women's SoftballJessica O'Donnell

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Kent State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

5.0

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• 
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• 

Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

MotivationalBelieves In YouCreates A Great Team CultureCares About AcademicsKnowledgeable

Coach Jess demonstrates care, accountability, and genuinely compassionate treatment of her student athletes. She makes an effort to know and understand her players while giving freely of her time and energy to foster an environment that produces functional and productive adult contributors to society. By holding players accountable she provides a safe environment where mistakes can be made and consequences are felt in a context where we are able to have a positive outcome. Most of us athletes are entering into a workforce where discipline, work ethic, and respect are seen as a rarity. Coach Jess develops us not only as players but as human beings. She has been nothing but supportive through various life adversities. If accountability and respect are problematic to folks, then that's on them. Coach Jess is the epitome of a professional, supportive difference-maker in the coaching ranks and I am fortunate to have known her.

Women's SoftballJessica O'Donnell

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Kent State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

1.0

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• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

DisorganizedPoor Communication

The women is a narcissistic psycho! Run away! Makes players play when Athletic Trainers and Drs say you shouldn’t. Tells you that you aren’t committed to team because you won’t play while hurt. Mentally abusive, lies to AD to cover herself when players report her. It’s not tough coaching it’s abuse! Same stories from several players from 2 different schools. So many wouldn’t come forward for fear of retaliation. She coaches with intimidation and in no way cares about her players like she claims. It’s not supposed to be this way. Coaches are supposed to be people you look to, to help you grow. There’s no growing with her, you come out with mental health issues.

Women's SoftballJessica O'Donnell

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Kent State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

5.0

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• 

Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

Fitness Is ImportantKnowledgeableBelieves In YouPassionate About Coaching

I’d highly recommend Coach Jess. She cares about her players and pushes them to be the best people and softball players that they can be. She has high expectations and instills integrity in her program. Because of her coaching philosophy and technique, it’s proven that any team she coaches will be successful.

Women's SoftballJessica O'Donnell

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Kent State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

1.0

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• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

DisorganizedPoor Communication

Created a fake X account to harass a player, not creative since her moms name is Georgette with a birthday of 03/23/67 and her fake account is @george032367. See, this is what narcissistic psychos do. I can go on and on.....where are the negative star ratings

Women's SoftballJessica O'Donnell

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Kent State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

1.0

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• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

DisorganizedFitness Is ImportantPoor Communication

Jessica O’Donnel is unlike any coach I’ve had in my life. She lied to me and my parents on my official visit. She said all the right things and when I came to campus I quickly learned that I was in a very bad situation. The freshman on the team were severely depressed within just a couple weeks of fall season. I would go to her with my concerns for the team and I was called a liar and that I was a negative influence on the team. We were pushed over the limit physically every day and this resulted in many injuries. This wasn’t even the worst of it she would tear you down mentally and question your character constantly. What me and my teammates went through was truly traumatic and I wouldn’t wish this experience on anyone. She should not be able to coach again and I hope she learns from her actions.

Women's SoftballJessica O'Donnell

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Kent State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

1.0

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• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

DisorganizedPoor Communication

was not able to give all 0’s, but if i could i would. jessica o’donnell does not care about your athletes mental health. she has this front where she pretends to care about you but behind closed doors she is a narcissist. she has called players worthless and also uses social media to attack players. she has made accounts where she spreads players confidential information online just because said players do not fit her “perfect mold”. she wants all her girls to follow her like sheep, if you do not fit her mold she degrades you, talks about you to other players behind your back, and comments on your weight to you and others. stats don’t lie, while she coached at kent, the team finished in last and almost last every time. 3 years of never making the MAC tournament.

Women's SoftballJessica O'Donnell

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Kent State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

5.0

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• 

Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Coach Jess is a very passionate coach and has high expectations for her team. High achievers and those who want to be great thrive in her program. (others may struggle having a college coach push you to your best, when in the travel ball scene they are accustomed to will only tell you how good you are). . However, she still continuously focuses and spends a lot of time trying to figure out ways to get the WHOLE team rowing in the same direction to build a culture that everyone can flourish. I can say with 100% certainty that she always wanted what was best for the player. Whether that was extra softball work, academic or getting them in touch with a mental health professional, she was always willing to help any athlete that needed it.

Women's SoftballJessica O'Donnell

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Kent State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

1.2

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

2.0

Honest

1.0

On social media she appears to be a complete different person than she actually is. She doesn’t actually care for her players only cares about her reputation and wins. Behind closed doors she will say things to players that are unethical and will yell at people for things not even relating to softball! She loves to be in drama and it will follow here wherever she goes. I really hope she can reflect on the way she treated so many young women!

Women's SoftballJessica O'Donnell

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Kent State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

1.8

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

Intense

Alumni of her programs trauma-bond. Although she knows the game, she does not know how to be respectful to student athletes. This results in a culture of fear, resentment, and insecurity of players.

Women's SoftballJessica O'Donnell

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Kent State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

1.0

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• 
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• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

DirectIntenseKnows The GameOld School MentalityPoor Communication

Straight up crazy, fake, and a coward. The other reviews written with the positive 5 stars are probably ones she wrote. Couldn’t even hold exit meetings and is now harassing players.

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

HonestKnowledgeableMotivationalKnows The GameRespectful To Players

Coach O’Donnell really cares about her players. I know this because I played for her for four years. Coach O’Donnell taught me to be a better person and a stronger player. Coach Odonnell was very passionate about all of us and made us accountable. She treated us like her own kids.

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

KnowledgeableMotivationalDevelops Team Beyond The FieldKnows The GamePassionate About Coaching

She cares about the players and wants to see them successful. Passionate about the game. Wants everyone to succeed on and off the field

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

KnowledgeableMotivationalDevelops Team Beyond The FieldGreat LeaderPassionate About Coaching

As a parent of a a student athlete, I can recognize that it takes children balancing academic responsibility with athletic achievement. This coach has been a lifesaver when our daughter struggled with school and helped her get tutoring and kept her confidence up while inspiring her to just be in the moment and see the good things to come. I’ll be forever grateful for Coach Odonnell and her staff for taking our daughter under her wing and helping her to find success on and off the field!

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

Believes In YouDedicated To PlayersDevelops Team Beyond The FieldOrganizedPassionate About Coaching

Coach Jess Coach built a championship culture by setting high standards and emphasizing excellence, leading the program to several championship titles. She was deeply passionate about both the game and her players, investing in our growth through team-building activities, book studies, and development. She consistently advocated for her players, ensuring our accomplishments were recognized while challenging us to develop the character, discipline, and resilience needed to succeed long after college. Her influence extended far beyond the field, and I'm grateful for the lasting impact she had on my life.

4.8

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

4.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

DirectHonestCreates A Great Team CultureGreat LeaderKnows The Game

Coach Odonnell makes you stronger as a player, she expects 100 percent and she will give you back 100 percent. She pushes you to be the best you. She is driven to win and has a positive team attitude.

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

AccessibleDirectKnowledgeableKnows The GamePassionate About Coaching

Coach O'Donnell helmed a winning program at Saint Francis University. She cared about her student-athletes, won games, and kept the program progressing despite a hostile athlete director. She won with returning players, recruits, and transfers. A testament to her program-building is how she left a treasure of talent that enabled her replacement, a below .500 coach at the Division III level, to win two NEC titles. She had clear-cut expectations and standards for players. Any program would be enriched by her hiring.

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

KnowledgeableDedicated To PlayersDevelops Team Beyond The FieldKnows The GameResponsive

I like her coach Odonnell in Saint Francis Door. I found her to be very very caring coach. I remember that there were two girls on our team that got into a bad car accident and she spent all night in the ER with them because they weren’t expected to make it. Coach Odonnell goes way above what’s required of her on top of that she’s a coach that has a desire to make me a better person outside of the sport of softball and make me a better softball player.

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Straight up abusive.

1.2

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

2.0

Honest

1.0

Divisive and just a bad person. She’s what is wrong with women’s collegiate athletics.

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Not caring, not fair, divides the team, treats them like little kids when they are adults. Likes to talk about the mental aspect of the game, but seldom practices what she preaches. Only pays attention to the players that fit her narrative, uses those players to report on other players as she turns them against each other. She tells her players that they will have opportunities to prove themselves, only not to play them and further crush their confidence.