Junior Bridget O'Donnell is a 6-6 center on the women's basketball team. The Belle Mead, N.J. native's family lineage is deeply rooted in basketball as her mother Patrice, and each of her six siblings played college basketball, including Naismith Basketball HOF member Anne Donovan. “Aunt Anne” is just one of 10 athletes in Olympic history to be named to three or more Olympic Women's Basketball Teams (1980, 1984 and 1988). As a coach, Donovan accumulated five medals, including gold, as head coach at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. GoMason.com sat down with O'Donnell for a Q&A.
What was it like growing up in such an impressive basketball family?
It was all I've ever known. My mom and all my siblings played basketball so I was always surrounded by it. When I started getting serious about basketball, I was excited to continue the tradition and “be a part of the family.” I have a huge family, so there is always something to talk about, everyone is always following basketball and talking sports.
Do you remember any family tradition related to basketball?
Every summer my family goes out to the beach in New Jersey and we always play pick-up basketball with each other. When my aunt couldn't be there because of coaching, we would all gather around the TV to watch her team.
What are the memories of your aunt that you cherish the most?
My fondest memory is from 2008, when she coached the Team USA women's basketball team to a gold medal in the Beijing Olympics. My mom, and my aunts and uncles were there and I remember talking to my mom about how much fun she was having with all of her siblings in China and how excited everyone was for my aunt.
If you could prevent people from asking you any one question, what would it be?
“Do you play volleyball?” I have never played volleyball.
Top three things on your bucket list?
I want to go to Germany; I want to go to the Olympics; and I want to go out to dinner with someone famous.
What is your special message to recruits?
I tell them that if they want to come to a school that provides them with a lot of opportunities in basketball and outside of it, George Mason is the place to be.
Do you follow professional basketball?
Yes, I am a Knicks fan, but I am also a Dirk Nowitzki fan.
When did you realize that you could realistically play in college?
I started playing basketball in my sophomore year of high school so I was sort of late to it. However, after one season of AAU in my junior year, I started working at it really hard and became really interested.
What is your favorite off-court activity?
I like to read a lot and I like to cook.
What is your specialty in the kitchen?
I like cooking eggs and pasta. I am a big fan of Italian food.
What's something you couldn't live without?
My family.
Who did you idolize as a kid?
My aunt and my mom.
