University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Staff Directory
- Title:
- Athletic Trainer
ASSIGNMENT-Men's Soccer
- Email:
Patrick O’Donnell joined the University of Pittsburgh athletics department in Jan. of 2026 as the athletic trainer with the Panthers men’s soccer program. In this role, O’Donnell operates out of the Peterson Sports Complex, providing clinical services and coordinating medical care as a member of the sports medicine staff.
Prior to his arrival at Pitt, O’Donnell served as senior athletic trainer supporting the men’s soccer program at the University of Central Florida from 2024-25. In that period, the Knights captured their first Sun Belt Conference tournament championship. Additionally, O’Donnell served in similar roles with tennis and spirit (2022-24) and baseball (2020).
O’Donnell also earned his master of science degree in kinesiology from UCF while serving as a graduate assistant with their football program from 2018-20.
A 2018 graduate of Purdue University, O’Donnell earned his bachelor of science in athletic training with a minor in psychology. While at Purdue, he served as an athletic training student with Boilermaker football, wrestling, and swimming and diving programs. As a part of his educational experience, O’Donnell also served as an undergraduate intern with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts from 2016-17.
O’Donnell is a board-certified athletic trainer and is licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine. He is also certified as a Corrective Exercise Specialist by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He is also a certified CPR instructor with both the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association.
A Highland, Ind. native, O’Donnell resides in Pittsburgh with his wife, Emily (Pitt ’17), and their dog Ozzie.
Beyond the Bio
Favorite place on the University of Pittsburgh campus?
Heinz Chapel. Emily and I were married there in 2023. It’s always nice to walk through campus and see the Chapel and Cathedral of Learning and remember the best day.
What do you love about working in athletics?
I find a lot of joy in developing relationships with everyone in our sphere, but especially the student athletes. Getting to know them on a personal level, their backgrounds, hobbies, goals, and dreams and establishing a strong connection really make this line of work enjoyable.
Hobbies outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy playing and watching ice hockey, making music, and exploring the city with family and friends.
