Elon University Athletics

Jay O'Donnell joins the Phoenix for his first season in 2025 as the associate head coach. 
 
“We are excited to have Jay join our staff. Jay has worked for some great coaches, who spoke highly of his abilities to impact their programs in key area,” said Head Coach Marc Reeves. “Jay’s energy and enthusiasm will add into our student athlete experience and his work ethic and professionalism will ensure we continue to strive for success each season. We welcome Jay and his wife Macy to Elon Men’s Soccer family.”
 
O’Donnell joins the Phoenix after two seasons as an assistant at Gardner-Webb. He helped lead the Runnin’ Bulldogs to a Big South conference tournament title and an upset win over Oregon State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament this past season.
 
Before his time in Boiling Springs, O’Donnell spent time at Robert Morris University as an assistant for two seasons. O’Donnell played collegiately at Bethany College in West Virginia from 2015-18.
 
A native of Cardiff, Wales, O'Donnell earned an undergraduate degree in recreation, athletic administration and coaching education in 2019. He earned a master's degree in teaching and leadership in 2021 from Bethany.