MOORHEAD, Minn. – Minnesota State Moorhead athletic director
Chad Markuson has announced that
Damien O'Donnell will become the new head coach of Dragon women's tennis. O'Donnell has been the program's top assistant coach for the past three seasons.
"I'm incredibly honored to be named head coach of the women's tennis program here at MSUM. This team means so much to me, and I'm excited to build on its strong foundation," said O'Donnell. "We have an amazing group of ladies and a great mix of returning players, transfers and incoming freshman that I expect to be an extremely talented team up and down the roster. I look forward to leading the team and helping them grow both on and off the court. Go Dragons!"
The Fargo, N.D., native has spent the last three seasons as the top assistant coach at MSUM. In his time with Moorhead, O'Donnell has helped raise the profile of Dragon women's tennis to one of the best in the Northern Sun. In his time with the Dragons, MSUM has collected 28 dual victories, including 12 in 2024-25.
"Selecting Damien as our next head tennis coach was an easy choice," said MSUM athletic director
Chad Markuson. "He has spent the last three years playing a significant role in raising the level of competitiveness and intensity within our tennis program. He is well known in the tennis circle and will continue to build on the success that him and Alexis have built."
With his help, MSUM has made back-to-back trips to the NSIC Tournament, including a quarterfinal victory over the University of Mary last season. He has helped guide three players to All-NSIC singles distinction in
Shaelyn Johnson,
Tiannah Gu and
Luzmary Diaz Castillo. O'Donnell has also guided a pair of doubles teams to all-conference honors in his time with the Dragons.
In addition to his assistant coaching duties at MSUM, O'Donnell has served as a tennis pro at Courts Plus Community Fitness in Fargo, N.D. since 2018. O'Donnell has also taught private tennis lessons since 2023. He is also active in the high school tennis scene, serving as a coach for both genders at Fargo Shanley High School. He helped lead the Deacon boys from 2018 until 2024 and has coached the Shanley girls since 2019. O'Donnell was a standout student-athlete for the Deacons as well, earning all-state honors in tennis.
O'Donnell has already hit the ground running as head coach as he welcomes the aforementioned Johnson to his staff as an assistant coach. Johnson was a five-time All-NSIC selection for the Dragons in both singles and doubles play. The Grand Forks, N.D., native was also an all-conference player her sophomore season at Bemidji State. Johnson has served as a tennis pro at Courts Plus Community Fitness in Fargo, N.D. since 2022.
