News Summary
Brendan O’Donnell, former assistant baseball coach at James Madison University, has accepted a new position at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. This transition follows a successful season where he played a pivotal role in JMU’s NCAA regional appearance. With ongoing coaching changes at JMU, O’Donnell’s departure signifies a shift for the program as it seeks to maintain its competitive edge. His experience and dedication will be valuable assets for UNC Asheville as they enhance their baseball program.
Harrisonburg, Virginia – Brendan O’Donnell, the assistant baseball coach at James Madison University (JMU), has accepted a position as an assistant coach at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. This move marks a significant career step for O’Donnell, who has contributed to JMU’s baseball program both as a player and a coach.
O’Donnell’s transition comes on the heels of a successful season with the Dukes, where he played a pivotal role in leading the team to an NCAA regional appearance in 2024. His performance during this season caught the attention of both fans and the coaching staff, ultimately leading to his hiring as an assistant coach following the conclusion of his playing eligibility.
As he stepped into the role of assistant coach in 2025, O’Donnell utilized his firsthand experience from competing at a high level to guide and develop the team. His efforts during the season were crucial in maintaining the program’s competitiveness within collegiate baseball. O’Donnell’s departure represents the second significant change for JMU’s coaching staff this offseason, following the exit of another assistant coach, Mike Roberts, who joined the staff at Mississippi State University earlier in the month.
Impact on JMU Baseball
The loss of O’Donnell signifies a changing landscape for JMU baseball, which is now in a period of transition as it looks to fill coaching vacancies and sustain its positive momentum. With two key assistant coaches departing, the program will need to focus on recruiting new talent, both on the field and within the coaching staff, to continue its trajectory of success.
Brendan O’Donnell’s Background
Brendan O’Donnell’s baseball career at JMU began when he played under the mentorship of head coach Marlin Ikenberry, demonstrating his talent on the field during the 2024 season. Known for his dedicated approach and training, O’Donnell quickly made an impression that led to his post-playing appointment as an assistant coach, a testament to his understanding of both the game and coaching principles.
As an assistant coach at JMU, O’Donnell’s strategies and insights contributed to the development of young athletes, preparing them for competitions and improving their skills. His coaching style, rooted in his own experiences as a player, emphasized teamwork and perseverance, crucial qualities for aspiring collegiate athletes.
Future Prospects for UNC Asheville
UNC Asheville has welcomed O’Donnell at a time when the program is looking to enhance its performance and competitiveness in the collegiate baseball landscape. His previous experience with successful teams, particularly his recent accomplishments at JMU, positions him as a valuable asset to the coaching staff at Asheville. The expectation is that O’Donnell will bring a fresh perspective and energy to the Bulldogs’ baseball program, potentially influencing the team’s success in upcoming seasons.
Conclusion
The departure of Brendan O’Donnell from JMU is undoubtedly significant, as it reflects both the challenges and opportunities within collegiate athletics. As JMU seeks to rebuild and strengthen its baseball program with new coaching talent, O’Donnell’s move to UNC Asheville opens a new chapter in his coaching career while highlighting the ongoing changes in baseball at the collegiate level.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WHSV: O’Donnell Hired as Assistant Coach at UNC Asheville
- JMU Sports: Men’s Soccer Welcomes Ranked Recruiting Class
- JMU Sports: Women’s Soccer Announces Recruiting Class
- JMU Sports: Dave Plungas Named JMU Linebackers Coach
- Wikipedia: College Baseball
- Google Search: Brendan O’Donnell
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
