An Era Ends as O’Donnell Announces Departure!
Gross Catholic would like to announce that Terry O’Donnell will step down as the athletic director at Gross Catholic High in June. This change comes after he began his journey at Gross as the assistant athletic director in July 2022. A year later, O’Donnell took on the athletic director role following Mike Dempsey’s retirement, ‘75.
From High School Athlete to Educator
O’Donnell attended Gross Catholic and graduated in 1998. During his time as a student, O’Donnell excelled as a multi-sport athlete, participating in football, basketball, baseball, and track. After graduating from Gross, he attended Bellevue University, where he studied business and played basketball. His aspirations shifted toward education, leading him to transfer to the University of Nebraska, Omaha. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education while also helping to coach Bellevue University’s basketball team. Throughout his distinguished career, O’Donnell has made a significant impact in athletic communities across the city as well as at Gross.
O’Donnell’s Heartfelt Farewell
Reflecting on his decision to step down, O’Donnell stated, “The expectations of the job have been tough for me to balance with the father and husband I want to be. I want to thank the faculty and staff for making this opportunity to be at Gross Catholic one of the greatest honors of my life. I’ve had the opportunity to do work that matters to people who matter to me in a place that is very near and dear to my heart. I will continue to serve this community that I love as a coach, alumnus, parent (very soon), and whatever other ways God might lay out before me at this special place.”
A Community Legacy
O’Donnell is married to Gross alumna Rosa Valencia, ’00, and they are proud parents to three children. Their family is active in the local community and are parishioners at St. Joan of Arc.
Search Underway
The pursuit for the next athletic director is now underway, as Gross Catholic High School prepares to navigate this transition and continue its tradition of excellence in athletics.
About Gross Catholic High School
Gross Catholic, a co-educational, college preparatory high school, began its proud heritage of academic excellence rooted in the Marianist tradition in 1968. We consider ourselves one of the best Catholic schools in Omaha, Bellevue, and Papillion. The school motto Dux Esto (“Be a Leader”) is at the core of its extraordinary mission, innovative spirit, and fundamental values. The school offers a challenging environment and outstanding quality of life, both in academics and co-curricular activities, with a strong focus on STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) education. The spirit of Christian service and giving back is part of everything the school does. Gross Catholic’s top-tier status is reflected in its talented faculty, staff, and coaches who take great pride in seeing virtually every graduate head to college, often to the most prestigious domestic and international universities and service academies. Together with families and alumni, Gross Catholic forges relationships for a lifetime, helping to ready the next generation to be exemplary, principled leaders of the world.
To discover the Gross Catholic difference, contact us at 402.734.2000 or visit our Admissions page.