Thadd O’Donnell is entering his 31st year at Dickinson State University and his 12th season as Head Men’s and Women’s Golf Coach. A veteran leader with unmatched coaching versatility, O’Donnell has devoted more than three decades to building championship programs and mentoring Blue Hawk student-athletes.
Throughout his tenure, O’Donnell has coached four different sports at DSU: Wrestling (20 years), Cross Country (8 years), Football (8 years), and Golf (since 2013). Under his guidance, the DSU Golf program has developed into a consistent competitor, producing 25 All-Academic selections and maintaining a strong tradition of academic success.
Across all sports, O’Donnell’s coaching legacy includes over 150 All-Americans, six individual National Champions, 35 Academic All-Americans, and six Coach-of-the-Year honors. His dedication to both the competitive and personal development of student-athletes has made a lasting impact on the university.
A native of Baker, Montana, O’Donnell wrestled at DSU from 1985 to 1991 and earned three NAIA All-American honors. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physical Education with minors in Coaching and Driver’s Education from DSU, and a Master of Science in Education and Physical Education from Northern State University.
He and his wife, Tracie (DSU ’91), live in Dickinson. They are proud parents of DSU graduates Seth, Austin, and Danielle, and grandparents to Hoyt, Jace, Rowan, Nina, Emma, Gwen, and Maddy.
