If the name Brittany O’Donnell sounds familiar to you, it could be for one of several reasons:

• The New Jersey native is the daughter of Jersey Intensity head man Kevin O’Donnell and played in the organization for seven years.
• She also was a standout pitcher at Notre Dame where she graduated in 2013 after compiling a 40-12 record—the fourth best winning percentage (.769) in Irish softball history.
• And today, Brittany is a grad assistant at Auburn working on a Master’s in Special Education and a part of the Tigers’ club that has made the Women’s College World Series, seeding No. 4 with a match Thursday at 2:30 pm CST against No. 5 seed LSU.

We were able to hear from her about her experiences as a player and now as a Grad Assistant for the SEC school which is making its first-ever appearance in the WCWS, but first…

… a short video highlighting Auburn’s journey from SEC champs to one of eight teams left standing to battle for the National Championship!

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FullCountSoftball.com: What separates Auburn from the other teams in the tournament in your opinion?
Brittany O’Donnell: Auburn softball follows Coach Myers’ main philosophy: “Greatness is a way of life.” This team works towards greatness everyday, whether it be during practices or games. The girls accept nothing less than their absolute best. This 2015 Auburn softball team is filled with talent and passion for the game. The girls possess the qualities that are needed to be great on the field—passion, determination, grit, and hard work.

FCS.com: What has the postseason atmosphere like?
BOD: The postseason atmosphere is filled with energy and determination. This is the time we have been working all year to get to: the road to Oklahoma City! Every practice and game has prepared the team for this moment in getting one step closer to winning a national championship.

FCS.com: How different is it to as a coach in the postseason versus being a player?
BOD: Being a graduate assistant is very different than playing. Seeing the girls out there on the field makes me want to get back into a uniform and play for my university. However, I know I am a part of history here at Auburn. I am a part of a team who is accomplishing things that have never been done before, like winning an SEC Championship and going to a Super Regional. To know that all the batting practice I have thrown has been a small part of the team’s success makes everyday on the field even if I am not the one playing anymore worthwhile!

FCS.com: What was your most memorable career moment as a player?
BOD: The most memorable moment in my playing career would be every time I put on my jersey and had Notre Dame across my chest. Being able to play for and represent one of the most prestigious universities in the world is an unbelievable experience and dream come true. The wins, no-hitters, and shut-outs are all memorable, but what I remember most is wearing that Notre Dame uniform and pointing up to my dad in the stands after every game. He was with me every pitch of every game. And being able to share every Notre Dame Softball moment with him is something I will never forget.

FCS.com: Who has been the biggest inspiration in your career?
BOD: My family has always been my biggest support in softball and life. My mom, Suzanne, and sister, Kaitlyn, have always been there cheering me on and teaching me to leave a little sparkle wherever I go. In softball and life there are people who learn it, live it, and teach it. My dad, Kevin, has been able to do all three and inspire me to do the same. He has been my coach since Day 1 and has made me into the person I am today.

FCS.com: Was making it to Notre Dame always a goal for you?
BOD: We started my journey when I was eight years old and went on a family trip to Notre Dame for the first time for a football game. Since that day it was my dream to play softball for the University of Notre Dame. My dad did everything to make me the best player, pitcher, and person possible. All of the hard work in the classroom and on the field paid off because together we were able to make my dream of playing for the University of Notre Dame a reality.

FCS.com: How did playing for the Intensity prepare you for Division 1 college softball?
BOD: Jersey Intensity prepared me for Division 1 college softball because it taught me numerous aspects needed to be successful in the future. Playing for the Jersey Intensity gave me the necessary training and tools to be fundamentally successful on the field. Also, I was taught the mental aspect of the game and how to thrive in big situations. When you are pitching on national television in a regional and have one of the best hitters in the country up you need to know how to mentally tough and live for that moment. Academics were also stressed throughout the organization. Softball is usually a four-year decision, but your college degree is a 40-year decision. Grades and success in the classroom at a young age is a huge part of being able to go to a university and be successful there. Lastly, the Intensity showed me what it’s like to be a part of a family. The girls you play with become your softball family and lifelong friends.

FCS.com: What advice can you give to younger Intensity players who want to follow your footsteps?
My advice to younger intensity would be to dream big! Always have a dream and work towards making it come true. It won’t be easy, but if it’s something you want badly enough with hard work and dedication you can make it happen.

FCS.com: Did you still have ties to the organization?
BOD: Yes, this will be my fourth summer coaching the 10U Intensity. I love giving back to the program and know I am making a positive difference in the lives of my young players while helping them begin to see their dreams.

FCS.com: Finally, when you were playing did you have any fun superstitions or pre-game rituals?
BOD: My pre-game ritual is to always put a bow in my hair. I am known for my huge, sparkly bows. And over the years my collection has grown to probably around 250 of them. I always sparkle and shine on the field!