Varsity Knight Update: Mike O'Donnell

Name: Mike O'Donnell
Graduation date: 2007
Sport: Basketball
Position played: Point Guard
Jersey number: 4
Degree: Interpersonal Organizational Communications
Profession: CBS Sports and ESPN college basketball color analyst and Private Equity 
Spouse: Annie O'Donnell
Children: Addison and Luke

Why did you choose UCF? 
I chose UCF to play for Kirk Speraw, the opportunity to lead UCF into the inaugural Conference USA season, and the fact that the campus completely blew me away when I took my recruiting visit. Being close enough to my hometown was another big selling point for me, which meant that my parents could catch almost every single home game. 

One moment that you wish you could relive from your time at UCF? 
In the penultimate game of my junior season we were playing Houston at home and the winner would retain sole possession of second place in CUSA. It was an absolute battle in front of a sold out crowd in the old arena.  We won.  Finishing the regular season in second place was something that nobody thought was possible… not the media, not the opposing coaches… just us.  We always believed.  It may not sound like much, but finishing the CUSA regular season in second place in only our second year in the league was incredible.  Moving up into a larger conference usually takes years to adjust.  It only took us one. That was a special group of players and coaches. 

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had while playing your sport? 
I once received a blind side pick and was knocked unconscious.  I wasn't embarrassed about being knocked unconscious, but later I found out that the video of my incident was being used in athletic training classes on how to spot concussion-like events.  I had no idea I looked like that much of a rag doll on the court.  Slow motion of the experience was not kind to me. 

What would you tell other alumni about the value of donating? 
It's not about giving back, it's about moving forward. Where there is legacy there must be growth. 

Who played a large role in your success at UCF and why? 
My head coach Kirk Speraw.  Many of the leadership qualities I posses today are directly attributed to Coach Speraw challenging me in ways I did not expect or fully understand.  I certainly understand them now. 

What's your favorite memory as a fan at a UCF game? 
Being in the middle of the student section at the first game in the on-campus football stadium against Texas was unbelievable.  There was an energy in that place that I'm not sure will ever be replicated. 

What would be your advice to current UCF student-athletes? 
The season is a marathon. Your career is a sprint.  You must trust in the process of trying to get better at your craft every day, but don't forget to open your eyes and enjoy those little moments. 

What is your favorite sports movie? 
Hoosiers. 

What or who inspired you as a young athlete? 
My parents.  To this day they are the toughest athletes I know.

Two hidden facts about you?
I can't shuffle a deck of cards.  I love peanut butter, I love chocolate, but I hate them mixed together.

What makes UCF special? 
History happens every year at UCF.  There is no daunting past that will haunt you.  You have a chance every day to build upon the UCF brand.  Which is stronger than you can imagine. 

Final thoughts?
Work hard.  Don't be apathetic.  Don't be cliche.  Be somebody.