Oliver O'Connell - Manager @ O'Connell Codes

Learn about Oliver O’Connell and his work with O’Connell Codes

Oliver O’Connell recently took some time from his busy schedule as Manager at O’Connell Codes to tell us about his role and career journey.

About Oliver O’Connell

Nationality: New Zealand

Current Role: Manager @ O’Connell Codes (since September 2018)

Residence: United States

Sports: European Football / Soccer, Basketball, Futsal, Aussie Rules, Netball, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Handball, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Water Polo

About the Manager role at O’Connell Codes?

Answer emails, develop social content, consult video coordinators.

How does your role contribute to the overall goals at O’Connell Codes?

Keeps my name in the industry for when I an open position with a program presents itself.

How did you acquire the Manager role at O’Connell Codes?

I started it two years ago while studying at Ohio State to satisfy emails I was getting about having access to my work that was being presented on YouTube.

“Listen to the client as much as possible to achieve what they want the most out of the SportsCode Windows.”

What typical equipment, tools & technologies do you use to achieve great outcomes in your work?

I just use my Macbook and a SportsCode Elite license.

What methodologies and standards do you incorporate in your work?

I try and listen to the client as much as possible to achieve what they want the most out of the SportsCode Windows.

However, typically they buy a pre-made window set so my responsibility comes down to answering questions about functionality.

What’s your favourite or go to sports brands for your role in sports?

SportsCode and Apple.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to be in your role in the future?

It’s very easy to access full games/matches online. I would recommend just downloading a game and analysing with what tools are available.

SportsCode is an expensive product. You can get a limited free trial but due to the barrier of entry, you could use notational analysis and/or use other software applications.

“Identify your dream job early on and use that to guide your decisions.”

What are some key successes or personal milestones you’ve achieved in your career?

I have had some well-known college basketball programs as clients which gave me a sense of pride. But it was also through my platform that I was able to get a graduate assistant position at Ohio State.

What’s some advice or knowledge you wish you had been aware of earlier in your career?

To identify your dream job early on and use that to guide your decisions. It’s a very niche industry so it’s important to be focussed and selective. Saying that it’s also important to take what opportunities arise.

From your perspective, who are some success stories you look up to and why?

I’ve had mentors along the way that I have gathered a lot of inspiration from.

Kyle Davis, the video coordinator for Ohio State Men’s Basketball is one of the smartest people I know.

Piet van Hasselt, my former Performance Analysis professor has also been a great friend and helped me along the way.

“My dream role would be video coordinator for a high-level college basketball program”

What regions of the world and specific organisations you’d like to be part of during your career?

My dream role would be video coordinator for a high-level college basketball program like Ohio State, North Carolina or Michigan State; or be a video analyst for an NBA franchise.

I consider my O’Connell Codes work as a sort of ‘dynamic resume’ to hopefully one day lead me to one of these positions.