At Spring Lake High School, junior Landon O’Donnell is the definition of a multi-sport athlete. Whether lighting up the scoreboard on the basketball court, leading a charge on the football field, or dominating in lacrosse, Landon is known not only for his athletic talent but also for his commitment and character. 

Landon is a standout in three sports, football, basketball, and lacrosse, and his passion for each shines through. “My favorite moment from this year so far was beating Whitehall in the basketball district semifinals,” he shares. “That game meant a lot to our team.”

With such a packed schedule, many wonder how student-athletes manage it all. For Landon, success comes down to two things: routine and time management. “Having a structured routine and staying organized is crucial,” he explains. “It helps me balance my academic and athletic responsibilities so I can perform well both on the field and in the classroom.”

Landon credits much of his growth and motivation to his dad. “He’s been there with me since the beginning, shooting hoops in the driveway, working on football footwork, or practicing lacrosse skills at the field,” he says. “He’s taught me life lessons through sports that I’ll carry with me forever.”

While Landon is focused on finishing his high school career strong, he’s also chasing a long-term dream. “One goal I’ve had since I was a kid is to play college lacrosse,” he says. “It’s something I’ve worked hard for and continue to pursue every day.”

Last April, Landon suffered a foot injury in a lacrosse game against Zeeland East. It had sidelined him the majority of the season.  "This injury has given me a different perspective and an opportunity to make a positive impact on my team, even when I’m not on the field," O'Donnell explains. "Although initially devasted, I was able to continue to be useful by making scouting reports on opponents that my team used to our advantage. It has also given me the opportunity to take on more of a coaching role by keeping positive energy on the sideline and encouraging my teammates."

For younger athletes coming up behind him, Landon has a simple but powerful message: “Always work as hard as you can. There’s always someone out there working just as hard or harder. If you give 110% every rep, in practice and games, you’ll see the difference it makes!”