Randolph College Director of Athletics Tom Galbraith announced Monday the hiring of Brian O'Connor as the school's next head men's soccer coach.
O'Connor joins Randolph from Knox College in Galesburg, Ill. where he has been the head coach of the men's soccer team since 2018. With the Prairie Fire, O'Connor compiled an overall record of 43-16-3 and a 24-3 mark in the Midwest Conference. His teams won two regular season championships, two MWC Tournament titles, and qualified twice for the NCAA Tournament. His 2018 team at Knox set a program record with 16 wins.
"To attract a leader with the championship pedigree of Coach O'Connor speaks volumes about the nature of where Randolph men's soccer sits currently and is headed into the future," Galbraith said. "Brian stood out among a very competitive candidate pool, and I am confident that he will continue the growth trajectory of this already successful program."
O'Connor has been affiliated with the Prairie Fire since 2015 when he began as assistant coach/recruiting coordinator. During that time, he helped lead the program to its fourth straight conference tournament appearance and second straight undefeated season in Midwest Conference play. He helped develop three first-team all-region players and nine All-Midwest Conference players.
Prior to his time at Knox, O'Connor was an assistant coach at his alma mater, Illinois College. He assisted in the daily operations of the program which included recruitment and retention. He helped lead the program to its first conference tournament in 21 years. He also helped develop two first-team all-conference selections.
"First, I would like to thank President Sue Ott Rowlands and AD Tom Galbraith for entrusting me to lead the Randolph program," said O'Connor. "My family and I could not be more excited to be joining the WildCat family and the Lynchburg community."
O'Connor served in the US Army from 2011-14. He graduated from Illinois College in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in History and Communications. He also has an Associate's Degree from Cochise College (Ariz.) in Intelligence Operations. He was a four year starter at Illinois College and an All-Midwest Conference selection as a senior in 2009.
"The ODAC is one of the toughest leagues in the country, so I can promise that our team and staff at Randolph are hungry and ready to get to work," O'Connor said. "It is an honor and privilege to take over such a successful program."
O'Connor added that throughout the hiring process he was impressed with the student-athletes and their clear dedication to this program and the institution.
"Seeing their enthusiasm and love for the College has me looking forward to getting on campus and on the field with them. It was easy to see that Randolph is truly a special environment, and I am both proud and excited to join that community."
O'Connor holds a United Soccer Coaches national diploma and is certified in strength and conditioning training. He and his wife, Sarah, are the parents of two sons, Declan and Everett.
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