Chad O’Donnell
November 17, 1971 - July 3, 2025
We lost my brother Chad this week - taken far too soon at just 53 years old, from complications following liver transplant(s).
Anyone who knew Chad knew his great passion: basketball. A fundamental key to shooting a basketball is the follow-through. Without it, even the best aim often misses.
Few people followed through like my brother…
* He followed through on his dream — carving out a place in the game he loved. Despite never playing Division 1 ball, he became a Division 1 assistant coach at the University at Albany, a role he held for more than a decade. He helped lead the team through five America East Championships and five NCAA Tournaments, including a thrilling near 16-1 seed upset of UConn.
* He followed through with clients — helping other coaches earn their shot. Through the consultancy he founded, Capital Elite Agency, he guided them through every step, every opportunity, every interview, and every contract negotiation.
* He followed through for his friends and family — always dependable, always ready to listen, to laugh, to debate, or simply be present.
* He followed through as a father — showing up, teaching, guiding, cooking, cheering, and loving his kids: Declan, Brayden, and Madeline. He loved them unconditionally, as a parent should, and they were the center of everything he did. He was endlessly proud of the people they’re becoming, and I mourn most the days he so badly wanted to witness as they continue their journeys — though I know he’ll be with them, always.
* He followed through as a husband and partner. Chad was lucky to find Anna - steady, strong, and full of grace. Her grace has been on full display these past few months, as she weathered an unrelenting emotional roller coaster of hope and peril, improvement and setback. I can only hope that the enormity of her loss and the singular pain she feels is consoled in some small part by knowing how thankful he was for her companionship, love, and brave support throughout his life and as he battled toward the end. He would’ve done the same for her - or for anyone he loved - because that’s who he was. He always followed through.
* Even in death, he followed through — facing his final challenges with incredible strength and a determined will to live. He hoped and fought for the best, but prepared for the worst, making sure he did all he could to prepare and protect the people he loved should he have to depart.
Thanks for always following through, Chad. Now it’s our turn.
A GoFundMe has been established in support of his wife & children:
https://t.co/HZcbSNIN97
Rest in peace, with love.
Corey (Chad's Brother)
Had a great time last night at the @MetBasketballW Dinner!! Congrats again to the D2 Player Of The Year/1st Team Honoree, Tray Alexander and 2nd Team Honoree, Trey Boyd III.
#LetsGoDAWGS🐶
#GoSetters🐶💙💛
Help us give a warm Valpo welcome to Jesse McClung 🎉
Jesse joins the Beacons after leading Saint Mary-of-the-Woods to a 53-15 record over the last two seasons🔥
#BeaconUp#SeeTheLight#EverydayGrit
@PaceMBB Tray Alexander and Head Coach, Matt Healing, are heading to Evansville, Ind. for the NABC All-Star Game!!!
Healing will be at the helm of the East All-Star Roster as head coach🫡
Game is scheduled for Friday, March 28, at 7:30PM EDT (6:30pm CT)!
Historic year! We will add a few #d3hoops#RangerUp:
4th in the Nation in scoring margin - 16ppg 🏅
10th in the Nation in points per possession - 1.004 🏅
@NCAA NPI Ranking - #10 🏅
We gave it every last ounce of effort and energy we had in this Sweet Sixteen run. I couldn’t not be more proud of the student-athletes, coaches, staff, fans, our students and fans that drove to Kansas City, and all of Pomeroy nation for this 28-6 season!
🚨 PROGRAM BUILDER 📈
✅ Four schools.
✅ Four first seasons.
✅ 20+ wins each time.
Consistency, culture, and a commitment to excellence — From building winning programs to shaping championship mindsets, Coach “Sco” proves that success leaves clues.
#WinningCulture#UptheSco
I couldn’t be more excited for Coach Harris and his family!!! One of my favorite things in life is to see my former assistants do great things. I’m looking forward to seeing the program he will build!
This guy is special to me for so many reasons! A guy couldn’t have a more loyal and supportive friend. He took a chance to come work with a 27 year old head coach that wasn’t ready to be one yet. I’m forever grateful!
The wall won’t be big enough for your accolades @Jordan3staff! So many unseen hours, relentless grind & unwavering discipline that make all of this recognition possible-keep adding to your legacy-forever proud of the standard you have set-you are 1 of 1-love you man!