Soccer Adds Alum O’Donnell to Staff

NORMAN — University of Oklahoma head soccer coach Mark Carr announced Thursday the addition of 2019 OU soccer alum Kristina O'Donnell to the staff as a volunteer assistant.

O'Donnell shined on the pitch for the Sooners, starting 68 games for Oklahoma in her career from 2016-19. Following graduation, she played professionally in Finland and has been the head coach of San Juan SC since May 2021.

"We're really excited to have Kristina back at Oklahoma, but this time as a volunteer coach," Carr said. "Being a former soccer student-athlete at OU, she will be able to relate to everything our student-athletes experience daily. She bleeds Crimson and Cream and is so passionate about coaching and developing young women. We look forward to adding her to our staff as a resource and mentor for our student-athletes."

The El Dorado Hills, Calif., product starred for the Sooners and helped the lead program to the second round of the NCAA Tournament her freshman season in 2016, being named to All-Big 12 freshman team. She appeared in every game as a sophomore in 2017 and was a second-team Academic All-Big 12 selection. In her junior campaign, O'Donnell started all 15 games that she played in, scoring the game-winning goal over then-No. 13 Oklahoma State to notch a Bedlam win. As a senior in 2019, she shined alongside All-American Kaylee Dao, starting all 20 games and logging 24 shots.

She closed her OU career with 68 total starts, 71 shots including 30 on frame and notched three goals.

"I want to thank the entire Oklahoma athletics staff for welcoming me back to Norman, this time as a coach," O'Donnell said. "To be back in Norman and coaching for the university and program that I hold so close to my heart is such a special feeling for me. I'm happy to be home and can't wait to help the program."

O'Donnell joins a staff led by Carr, who enters his third season in 2022. Maryse Bard-Martel and David Gough complete the coaching staff. The Sooners, who increased their win total by seven games from 2020 to 2021 and its goal total by 23, return to the pitch this fall. The season opens August 12 with an exhibition match in Frisco, Texas, versus Texas State. The full schedule can be seen here.

For updates and more information on Oklahoma Soccer, follow the Sooners on Twitter and Instagram (@OU_WSoccer) and like Oklahoma Soccer on Facebook.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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