A Baltimore development director is AACC’s new head golf coach. 

Before coaching the golf team, Dave O’Donnell, the development director for Baltimore Public Markets Corp., helped run a women’s tennis team in Pennsylvania. He said his goal for the team is to help the eight players “grow as golfers and people.”

“I’m hoping that I can help the students really learn the benefits of golf,” said O’Donnell, who has golfed since he was 7 years old and played on his high school and college teams. “[I want to] help them improve their skills [and] at the same time really learn an appreciation for the game.”

The season starts March 26, when the Riverhawks will play in the Catholic University Cardinal Classic tournament at Black Rock Golf Course in Hagerstown at noon. 

O’Donnell said he’s excited to start the season.

“It’s been a great experience so far,” O’Donnell said. “And you know, I think it’s only going to get better as the weather gets better.”

He also said he appreciates the team’s commitment to golf.

“I’ve tried to give the team the night off when we’ve had some bad weather and they keep saying, ‘No coach, we need to practice,’ so you know, I’m there for them,” O’Donnell said. “I think [the practice time] will pay off when we get into [the season].” 

Second-year transfer studies student Dylan Weiss, a golfer, said O’Donnell wants the team to perform well.

“He’s got good intentions for everyone,” Weiss said. “He’s always willing to work with everyone to help with their problems if they have any.”

First-year psychology student Austin Smith, a golfer, said it’s great having O’Donnell as the coach. 

“[I] probably couldn’t ask for a better coach, honestly,” Smith said. “It’s worked out for me, and hopefully for him this year.”

Weiss agreed.

“I think he’s a great fit for this team,” Weiss said.