Born on March 17, 1978, Sam O’Dell was raised by his parents, Doug and Christy O’Dell, in Hurricane, West Virginia, where his passion for golf began at age 10 at Sleepy Hollow Golf Club—a course that remains central to his life and legacy.

A multi-sport athlete at Hurricane High School, Sam played four years of both golf and basketball before graduating in 1996. He then earned a golf scholarship to Marshall University, where he distinguished himself both academically and athletically. As a senior, he was named First-Team Academic All-American—one of only two in Marshall history—and a First-Team All-District selection. He led the team in scoring average for three consecutive seasons, won the University of Kentucky Invitational with three-round total of 211 (-5), and set a freshman scoring record in 1997 with a 74.3 average. His 75.4 career stroke average ranked fifth all-time upon graduation. In recognition of his collegiate and post-collegiate achievements, Sam was inducted into the Marshall University Sports Hall of Fame in 2020.

Following graduation, Sam pursued a dental degree at the West Virginia University School of Dentistry and established a successful dental practice in his hometown. Remarkably, much of his competitive golf success came while balancing a full professional and family life.

Same captured over 20 West Virginia Golf Association state titles, including the 1996 Junior Amateur, four West Virginia Amateur Championships (2013, 2015, 2017, 2018), six Mid-Amateur titles (2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2023), two Four Ball titles (2019, 2020), and six Low Amateur honors at the WV Open—finishing runner-up twice. He was named WVGA Player of the Year six consecutive times (2013-2018). On the national stage, he qualified for two U.S. amateurs, three USGA State Teams, and six U.S. Mid-Amateurs, where he advanced to the round of 16 in 2017 and the Quarterfinals in 2018.

Later in his career, Sam turned his focus to mentorship and service. He joined the WVGA Executive Board and began coaching the Hurricane High School golf team in 2024, continuing to give back to the game that shaped his life.

Despite his many accolades, Sam takes the most pride in being present for nearly every moment of his sons’ athletic journeys—whether coaching or cheering from the sidelines. He and his wife, Leigh Ann O’Dell married in 2004, and together they raise two sons, Carson and Parker, in the same community that nurtured Sam’s early dreams.