Dickinson State University Men's Golf

O'Donnell has produced four All-Conference golfers as well as 7 Academic All-Americans. Under Coach O'Donnell, the Blue Hawks are gaining momentum in the North Star Athletic Association with his ability to recruit top-notch golfers. Coach O'Donnell resides in Dickinson with his wife, Tracie. They have two children, Danielle Harper and Seth O'Donnell. Danielle golfed for Dickinson State University and is married to current Assistant Coach, Austin Harper.

Thadd O’Donnell is entering his 31st year at Dickinson State University and his 12th season as Head Men’s and Women’s Golf Coach. A veteran leader with unmatched coaching versatility, O’Donnell has devoted more than three decades to building championship programs and mentoring Blue Hawk student-athletes. Throughout his tenure, O’Donnell has coached four different sports at DSU: Wrestling (20 years), Cross Country (8 years), Football (8 years), and Golf (since 2013). Under his guidance, the DSU Golf program has developed into a consistent competitor, producing 25 All-Academic selections and maintaining a strong tradition of academic success. Across all sports, O’Donnell’s coaching legacy includes over 150 All-Americans, six individual National Champions, 35 Academic All-Americans, and six Coach-of-the-Year honors. His dedication to both the competitive and personal development of student-athletes has made a lasting impact on the university. A native of Baker, Montana, O’Donnell wrestled at DSU from 1985 to 1991 and earned three NAIA All-American honors. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physical Education with minors in Coaching and Driver’s Education from DSU, and a Master of Science in Education and Physical Education from Northern State University. He and his wife, Tracie (DSU ’91), live in Dickinson. They are proud parents of DSU graduates Seth, Austin, and Danielle, and grandparents to Hoyt, Jace, Rowan, Nina, Emma, Gwen, and Maddy.

Jace Steier is entering her fourth season as an assistant golf coach at Dickinson State University under Head Coach Thadd O’Donnell. A former Blue Hawk standout, Steier competed for DSU from 2017 to 2022. She was part of the 2019 team that finished second at the North Star Athletic Association Championship and earned All-Conference honors three times—Second Team in 2019 and 2022, and First Team in 2021 after tying for 5th individually. She graduated from Dickinson State in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Exercise Science, along with a minor in Coaching.

Austin Harper is entering his third season as an assistant golf coach at Dickinson State University, where he continues to share his passion for the sport and his deep ties to the Blue Hawk community. A native of Shepherd, Montana, Harper competed for the Blue Hawks from 2010 to 2015, serving as a two-time team captain and team MVP. His leadership and competitive drive as a student-athlete laid the foundation for his continued involvement in the program. After earning his bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from DSU, Harper pursued a career in education and student development. He later earned a master’s degree in school counseling from Capella University and began his professional career in Wibaux, Montana, where he played a key role in establishing the town’s first-ever golf program. Now serving as a professional school counselor for Dickinson Public Schools, Harper remains active in the DSU athletic community, helping develop the next generation of Blue Hawk golfers. He and his wife, Danielle—a 2015 DSU graduate—live in Dickinson with their four children: Hoyt, Rowan, Nina, and Gwen. The Harpers are proud to call Dickinson home and are deeply committed to supporting Blue Hawk Athletics.