Pace University Athletics

Joe O'Donnell retired as Pace's Director of Athletics in 2011 after 14 years at the helm. During his time at Pace, O'Donnell played an instrumental role in the development and opening of the Ann & Alfred Goldstein Health, Fitness & Recreation Center in 2002, one of the finest athletics facilities in the region and home to the Pace volleyball team, men's and women's swimming and diving teams, men's and women's basketball teams, and hundreds of events each year.
 
O'Donnell oversaw one of the most successful eras in Pace Athletics history, which included numerous postseason appearances, several Northeast-10 Conference titles, an ECAC Championship in softball, and nearly 20 NCAA Tournament appearances, including three NCAA Elite 8 runs and two other NCAA Sweet 16 appearances. He was also a key figure in Pace's transition from the New York Collegiate Athletic Conference (NYCAC) to the Northeast-10.
 
O'Donnell also oversaw the renovation of Howard Johnson Hall on Pace's Briarcliff campus, which hosted several coaches, meeting rooms, locker rooms and a training room. In addition, O'Donnell was responsible for the initiation of the Pace Athletics Hall of Fame and Setters Club fundraising organization. He was also responsible for adding the women's soccer and men's and women's swimming and diving programs.