PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Eimile O'Brien, who boasts State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) playing and coaching experience, has been selected as the next women's volleyball coach at Plattsburgh State, as announced Monday by the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Mike Howard.
 
"We are extremely fortunate to be welcoming Eimile to Cardinal Country as our Head Women's Volleyball coach," Howard said. "Her experience both as a player and a coach within the SUNYAC as well as her demonstrated leadership across a number of areas in college athletics is most impressive.  It was very clear during the interview process that she was the ideal candidate to lead our program as we look to continue the rise of Cardinal Volleyball."

A Buffalo State graduate and four-year student-athlete for the women's volleyball team, O'Brien most recently coached at her alma mater, serving as the assistant coach in 2023. She helped the team finish at 16-12 and 5-4 in State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) play, the team's best finish since the 2014 season and their best conference record since 2013. As the assistant coach, she was responsible for a variety of duties, including setting team schedules and travel logistics, recruiting incoming classes, and building a strong social media presence for the team. Before working at Buffalo State as a coach, she had previously been the head coach with the Niagara County Volleyball Club, where she helped develop beginner and intermediate skills and techniques for a U16 team.

O'Brien was a middle hitter for the Bengals from 2016-2019, serving as a team captain for her final three seasons. During her time there, she was a key rotational piece for the team each season, averaging 1.88 kills per set and accumulating 689 kills in her career. She was also impactful defensively, averaging 1.15 digs per set for her career after averaging over two digs per set in her final season. O'Brien also served as an Executive Board Member on the SUNYAC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) during her time as a student-athlete, while also serving as the President of the Buffalo State SAAC.
 
The former SUNYAC student-athlete replaces previous head coach Kelsea Healis, who is moving on to pursue opportunities outside of athletics. Healis coached the team the past three seasons and brought them to the SUNYAC playoffs for the first time in a decade.


O'Brien also has Plattsburgh State connections, as her sister Meghan, was a four-year player for the women's volleyball team State from 2018-2021.

Before returning to volleyball last fall, O'Brien was a middle school teacher at Marcellus Central School District from 2021-22. She organized athletic competitions, fitness and nutrition events, and nature outings as a counselor during the year following graduation.

"I am incredibly excited to step in as head coach," O'Brien said, "This program has limitless potential and I look forward to building on the continuing success of the team."

The Marietta, New York native earned her Bachelor of Science in Economics from Buffalo State in 2019 and is also working towards her Master's in Education and Administration.