Saint Francis High School would like to thank Terry O'Donnell for his leadership and guidance of the Boys Water Polo program. Coach O'Donnell has devoted the last 32 years leading young men on and off of the pool deck. He has led one of the best programs in the area during his tenure as coach, while seeing countless student-athletes play at the collegiate level.
Director of Athletics Therren Wilburn says he will build on Coach O'Donnell's legacy.
"Though a short while, I enjoyed my time with Terry. His wisdom and enthusiasm for Lancer athletics is what makes him a valued member of our athletic program," said Director of Athletics Therren Wilburn."Coaching for three decades at one place is special! "
Terry O'Donnell reflected on how much he has enjoyed coaching and mentoring the many athletes in which he has crossed paths. , "For the past 32 years, I have coached the most incredible athletes, incredible people. Coaching is showing up every day: building skills and confidence, learning from mistakes, encouraging growth and creativity. Coaching is an act of love. I have been blessed with 63+ high school teams (32 water polo, 23 swimming and diving, 8 basketball, the + is the many, many club water polo teams). All of these teams were bold, daring and willing to put in the hard work to be great. The depth of compassion for their teammates, along with their desire to compete at the highest levels, has inspired me to do my best. I am humbled by their kindness, their determination and their resiliency. I am full of gratitude, pride and joy. To everyone who has supported me on this journey, thank you."
Michael Pilawski, Vice Principal for Campus Life, called Terry O'Donnell a cornerstone of Saint Francis athletics.
" Few people know the personal and professional sacrifices he has made in order to coach during his time as a teacher here. He has always led with compassion and taken great pride in our school and our programs. His daily presence in our athletic program will be greatly missed."
We will begin the search for our next head coach immediately. Interested applicants should apply here.
Thank you, Coach OD!
About Saint Francis Athletics
Saint Francis High School has a renowned legacy of extraordinary athletic success. Student-athletes play in the WCAL (West Catholic Athletic League), SCVAL (Santa Clara Valley Athletic League), BVAL (Blossom Valley Athletic League) and WBAL (West Bay Athletic League), some of the most competitive athletic leagues in the state of California. As of May 2022, the school has accumulated 14 state team championships, 3 individual state championships, 36 Nor Cal championships, 190 CCS (Section) championships, and 380 league championships. The school colors are brown and white and the mascot is the Lancer.
About Saint Francis High School
Founded in 1955 by the Brothers of Holy Cross, Saint Francis High School is a leading co-educational, diverse, Catholic, college preparatory school focused on educating the whole person. With a proven reputation for excellence in academics, athletics and the arts, the 114-member teaching staff prepare approximately 1,750 Saint Francis students for the rigors of college and the challenges of global citizenship in the enduring Holy Cross tradition. Saint Francis offers 120 courses in a traditional college preparatory curriculum spread across nine academic departments. Saint Francis is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National Catholic Education Association, the College Board and the National Association of College Admissions Counselors. Located in Mountain View, California, Saint Francis High School is approximately 35 miles south of San Francisco. For more information, visit www.sfhs.com.
Press Contacts
Therren Wilburn
Director of Athletics
therrenwilburn@sfhs.com
Jamie Perkins
Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications
jamieperkins@sfhs.com
