Tyler O’Dell comes to Gardner-Webb after serving as the assistant softball coach at Independence Community College (ICC) in Independence, Kan. during the 2020-21 season. Where the Pirates finished with their first winning record in the past seven years. O’Dell served the hitting coach and outfielder’s coach. Under his tutelage, the Pirates offense recorded its highest totals in home runs (36), batting average (0.311), doubles (74), triples (6), RBIs (212), OBP (0.374), and slugging percentage (0.467) since 2014. The pitching staff also recorded their lowest ERA since 2016 (4.76).
“Tyler will be a huge asset with the skills that he brings to our coaching staff,” said Head Coach Bailey Wigness. “He is a great recruiter and his ties to the area will be tremendous for us. I am excited to see the offensive strides our team will take after working with O’Dell. I’m thrilled to have him be part of the Gardner-Webb Softball program.
Before ICC, O’Dell served as the volunteer assistant coach during the shortened 2019-20 season at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C. He worked primarily with the outfielders, assisted with the development of the App State offense, worked with pitchers during bullpen sessions, and led volunteer practice times with infielders.
While working towards his undergraduate degree at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C., he was a student-manager for the Chanticleers softball program for two years. For the 2018-19 season, he was promoted to a lead manager role, assisting with on-field drills and development during practices. As a manager, he would throw batting practice to the hitters, assist with infielder and outfielder drills, and catch bullpens for the pitchers. In the office, he worked hand-in-hand with the director of operations in order to prepare video for scouting purposes, perform data entry to closely track player progress, and make sure itineraries were accurately composed for tournaments and travel accommodations.
O'Dell received his Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management in May 2019 from Coastal Carolina University.
He enjoys hanging out or traveling with his wife, Tess, and their two dogs (Suicune and Zurg) and cat (Chauncey). They are both huge Disney fans and hope to soon be Disney World annual passholders. He also enjoys playing video games with friends, watching any kind of
