HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – Former James Madison baseball player Brendan O’Donnell is returning to the university as an assistant coach of the university’s baseball team ahead of the 2025 season.

“Brendan brings a wealth of baseball experience as he begins his coaching career,” said Marlin Ikenberry, head coach of the JMU baseball team. “Not only is he a five-year college baseball player, but he also brings professional experience as he makes the transition from player to coach. We are excited to have him stay with the JMU baseball team and can’t wait to see him make an impact in his new role.”

O’Donnell successfully completed his college career at JMU, starting in all 60 games he played in. According to a press release, he recorded 38 of his 69 hits as extra bases, hit two triples, 16 home runs and 20 doubles. He scored 55 runs, 46 RBIs and also stole 12 bases.

O’Donnell played for the Ottawa Titans of the Frontier League after the 2024 season at JMU. With the Titans, he played in 55 games and had a .294 batting average with 10 home runs and 42 RBIs.

Prior to JMU, O’Donnell also played four years at Rider University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and sports management in 2023.

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