Before he launched a career with his degree in criminal justice, Phil O'Donnell of Suwanee, Georgia, tested himself against the best cyclists in the world.
In 2015, three trips equaling nearly four months in Europe saw him race with the U.S. National Cycling Team in Belgium, France, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Holland and Luxembourg.
O'Donnell was named to the President's List both semesters of his freshman year and was selected as a candidate for the National Honor Society.
"I chose UNG because I wanted to stay close to home and go to school with my friends, but also because it provided me a great place for training because of the area's geography," O'Donnell said. "So far, the highlight of my time at UNG has been all the new friends I've made and experiences I've had."
The biggest impact on his life has been his uncle, James, who O'Donnell says not only got him started in cycling, but also helped him develop many good traits to succeed in life.