The University of Mary Marauders Hall of Fame
Sarah (O’Donnell) MacDannald
Outstanding Athlete
Volleyball and Softball 1992-1996
Highly decorated in two sports, Sarah (O’Donnell) MacDannald left her mark at the University of Mary in both softball and volleyball and capped her tremendous athletic career with All-American honors on the diamond.
Three times a first team All-NDCAC performer, MacDannald made an immediate impact on the volleyball court when she arrived on campus in the fall of 1992. The freshman led the Marauders in kills and blocks, helping U-Mary capture the conference and district title. In 1993 she led the Marauders in kills, digs, and blocks and was named the team’s most valuable player. MacDannald earned All-Great Plains first team honors as a senior in 1995 after again pacing the team in kills, blocks, and digs for a squad that advanced to the regional tournament.
MacDannald was just as great a force in the spring, as the Marauders won the NDCAC softball title all four years she played first base for U-Mary. In her freshman season in 1993, the Marauders made their first softball national tournament appearance. MacDannald would land All-NDCAC recognition in each of the next three seasons (1994–1996). MacDannald’s sophomore year, the Marauders won a district title. She led the team in doubles and runs batted in as a junior and U-Mary advanced to the regional tournament. Her senior year, the Marauders finished one game short of the national tournament as MacDannald received All-Region and honorable mention All-American honors.
A Billings, MT, native and daughter of Dan and Sharon O’Donnell, MacDannald earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and special education in 1997. A kindergarten teacher in Ceres, CA, Sarah is married to fellow Marauders Hall of Fame member Neil MacDannald. The couple has two children, Kaylee and Kaden.
