Bryant & Stratton College Buffalo Announces Launch of Baseball Program; Names Alex O’Donnell Head Coach
BUFFALO, NY – Bryant & Stratton College Buffalo is proud to announce the addition of baseball to its growing intercollegiate athletics program. The Bobcats will officially launch their baseball program beginning in the 2026-27 season, with Alex O'Donnell named as the program's first Head Coach. The competition season will begin in the Winter of 2027.
The addition of baseball marks another exciting step forward for Bryant & Stratton Buffalo Athletics, further expanding opportunities for student-athletes to compete at the collegiate level while pursuing their academic goals.
"We are thrilled to introduce baseball to our athletic offerings and to welcome Coach O'Donnell to lead the program," said Bryant & Stratton Buffalo Athletic Director Damone Brown. "His playing experience, local roots, and passion for the game make him the ideal person to build this program from the ground up."
A Western New York native, O'Donnell brings collegiate playing experience and a strong understanding of the local baseball landscape. As a player, O'Donnell was a First Team All-PSAC Shortstop at Mercyhurst University and played a key role in leading the Lakers to back-to-back NCAA Division II World Series appearances in 2018 and 2019, starting all 103 games during those two years.
Before his time at Mercyhurst, he spent two seasons at Canisius College, where he appeared in 70 games as an infielder. O'Donnell also made an NCAA Regional appearance with the Griffs in 2015, where they faced #8-ranked Missouri State.
O'Donnell also gained competitive summer league experience with the Jamestown Jammers, further strengthening his development and understanding of the game.
Following his playing career, he spent time as a Recruiting Coordinator and Hitting Coach for NCAA III Muskingum University. O'Donnell had previously served as a Graduate Assistant/Hitting Coach/Assistant Recruiting Coordinator for NCAA II Salem University in West Virginia. He was also the Infield Coach at Mercyhurst Northeast and the Head Coach of the Northern Michigan Dune Bears of the Northwoods League.
Before his collegiate career, O'Donnell was a standout multi-sport athlete at Starpoint High School in Lockport, New York. He earned First-Team All-Western New York honors, was named Second-Team All-State following his senior season, and was recognized as the 2014 Niagara Gazette Player of the Year.
As he transitions into his role as Head Coach, O'Donnell is focused on establishing a strong foundation centered on discipline, player development, and academic success.
"It's an incredible honor to lead the first baseball program at Bryant & Stratton Buffalo," said O'Donnell. "We're building something special here — a culture of hard work, accountability, and pride. I'm excited to recruit talented student-athletes who want to compete at a high level and represent this institution the right way."
Recruiting efforts are already underway, with the program set to begin competition in the near future. The Bobcats aim to build a competitive roster that reflects the strong baseball tradition throughout Western New York.
For more information about Bryant & Stratton College Buffalo Baseball, including recruiting inquiries, please contact the Bryant & Stratton Buffalo Athletics Department.