Kent State University

Women's SoftballJessica O'Donnell

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Kent State University

NCAA DI • MAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

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 • MAC

5.0

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Would Recommend

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 • MAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

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 • MAC

2.0

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Would Recommend

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 • MAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

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