Michael is a Kalispell native. Graduating from Glacier High School in 2010, O'Connell would head to the University of Montana to begin his college career.

As a Freshman for the U of M Grizzlies, O'Connell would go on to break the record for single season home runs.

In 2012, O'Connell transferred to MCC, where he would play under former head coach Jeff Brabant. In his sophomore outing, Mike led the Pioneers in batting average and RBI's.

O'Connell would go on to finish his playing career at Mount Marty College in Yankton, SD.

During his time at MCC and Mount Marty College, Mike would graduate with an Associate of Science in 2012 and a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science in the Fall of 2014.

Mike joined the Mount Marty Coaching staff as a student assistant in 2014. He has also coached the last 8 summers in Kalispell where he has assisted in both the A and the AA Lakers Programs. Mike spent the past 2 summers as assistant coach for the Glacier Rangeriders, a Pioneer League rookie club in Kalispell. . 

This will be O'Connell's first head coaching job at the college level. 

O'Connell recently married MCC Head Softball Coach Erica and they are expecting their first child in October.