Jennifer O’Donnell competed at the 1992 Olympics shortly after graduating from Farmington High School in Michigan. She had been seventh at the 1991 World Junior Championships, and placed 17th that year at the World Championships, helping the team win a bronze medal. She won silver medals individually at the 1989 and 1990 US Olympic Festivals. O’Donnell won a gold medal in team archery at the 1991 Pan American Games, adding two individual silver medals. O’Donnell attended Michigan State University. She was the National Archery Association Athlete of the Year in 1993.