Lee Trawick
Reporter2@riverbendnews.org
Austin O'Connor is a 2010 Suwannee High School graduate, where he left his mark on the soccer field for the Bulldogs. O'Connor was a team leader, and played well enough to receive a scholarship to continue his soccer career at the collegiate level at Gardner-Webb University in the fall of 2010. Following his freshman season, O'Connor returned to the State of Florida, where he would play at Flagler College for the remainder of his collegiate career. In his sophomore season, he was vital to the Saints' 2011 Peach Belt Conference title and Regional Championship. In 2012 and 2013, he helped the Saints continue a standard of excellence, as they reached the playoffs for three straight seasons. Then, in 2014, O'Connor received a more personal accolade as the 2014 Comeback Player of the Year.
O'Connor graduated from Flagler College in 2014 with a degree in Coastal Environmental Science. Following graduation, he remained near Flagler College, where he began working at the Ponte Vedra Soccer Club in 2015. However, in February 2020, he made his way into coaching the college ranks at Marshall University. As a member of the Thundering Herd, O'Connor was the goalkeeper coach, recruiting coordinator and camp director. While at Marshall University, he helped coach his team to the Conference playoffs and won their first playoff game since 2015.
Then, in 2023, O'Connor returned to Florida, this time a little closer to Suwannee County, at the University of Florida, where he joined the coaching staff for the Florida Gators women's soccer team. There, he will serve as the Gators' goalkeeping coach.
"We are excited to have Austin join our staff and jump right in with our spring season. He offers invaluable experience in both recruiting and goalkeeper training. His long-standing history in Florida will undoubtedly prove helpful as we continue to invest concerted effort in our state," Gators Coach Samantha Bohon said.
"I would like to thank Samantha, Josie, Adam and the rest of the staff associated with the women's soccer program for welcoming me to their family,” O'Connor said. “I look forward to helping the program and players achieve great success both on and off the field. Go Gators!"