Jim O’Brien will enter his first season as the head coach of the Mitchell College women's soccer program during the 2024-25 academic year.
With over two and a half decades of coaching experience at the Division I and II level, O’Brien arrives in New London having most recently served as an assistant women’s soccer coach at Stony Brook University from 2019 until 2024. During his tenure with the Seawolves the team captured two American East Championships and made a pair of trips to the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Tournament.
“We are really excited to announce and welcome Jim O’Brien as our next head women’s soccer coach,” said Director of Athletics, Matt Finlayson. “Ashley Kishorn did an amazing job leading this search of a quality candidate pool, and Jim stood out as a leader that has been successful everywhere he has been. In addition to having a resume that speaks for itself, Jim’s passion for the overall student-athlete experience, and ability to connect with people are attributes that we are confident will lead to future growth for our women’s soccer program.”
Prior to Stony Brook, O’Brien spent one season as the head women’s soccer coach at Mercy College, leading the team to a 12-3-2 overall record in the fall of 2018, and from 2005-2017 he served as the head women’s soccer coach at Division I Fairfield University. His tenure with the Stags was defined by success, as he departed Fairfield as the all-time winningest coach in program history, having captured the MAAC Tournament championship in both 2005 and 2008.
O’Brien began his coaching career in 1995, founding the women’s soccer program at Southern Connecticut State University, posting a 105-56-8 record during his 10-year stint in New Haven.
"Today is an exciting day for me as I embark on a new chapter in my career,” stated O’Brien. “My desire to head up a women's soccer program has been attained thanks to Director of Athletics Matt Finlayson and his staff. I would like to once again thank Matt, Ashley Kishhorn, and Todd Peretz for selecting me to oversee the program. I also would like to thank the coaches who formed the search committee who took the time and due diligence during the interview process. I am thrilled to be part of the Mitchell College community and look forward to a bright future for the women's soccer program.”
In addition to his collegiate coaching career, O’Brien has served as head coach of the Connecticut Football Club, the LI Slammers, and the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association: Olympic Development Program. He has also been the owner of the Academy of Excellence since 1995, where he conducts developmental camps, clinics, and training sessions.
O’Brien takes over a Mitchell squad that posted a 4-12-1 record during their inaugural season in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC), and will be returning the reigning conference Goalkeeper of the Year and the team’s second leading goal scorer.
