LEXINGTON, Va. – Washington and Lee Michael F. Walsh Director of Athletics
Jan Hathorn has announced that
Brooke Diamond O'Brien has resigned as Head Women's Lacrosse Coach to accept the Head Women's Lacrosse Coach position at Amherst College.
"Brooke has been the epitome of professionalism and success during her 15 years as W&L's head coach of women's lacrosse," said Hathorn. "In her first head coaching job, she took an above average program and made it a national powerhouse, all while making a mark of her own as a competent, proficient and excellent young professional, in the sport and on our campus. Brooke's commitment to education and the development of our students could be seen in all areas of her work: teaching physical education, serving on numerous department and University-wide committees and within the world of women's lacrosse.
"I am incredibly grateful for the 15 years that I have spent in Lexington as Head Women's Lacrosse Coach at W&L," said O'Brien. "I want to thank Chuck O'Connell for taking a chance on me as a 25-year old first-time head coach. I appreciate
Jan Hathorn and so many colleagues in our department and across campus for their support, mentorship, and friendship. To the assistant coaches, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, athletic communications folks, facilities crew members, administrators, and faculty athletic mentors who have supported our program over the past decade and a half – Thank You! I am grateful for your collaboration, professionalism, and many contributions to the program's growth and success."
The W&L women's lacrosse program flourished under O'Brien's leadership, resulting in an overall record of 221-60 for a .786 winning percentage over her 15 seasons. Additionally, the Generals went 122-4 in ODAC games and won 13 ODAC titles. Under her guidance, O'Brien's players collected 100 All-ODAC citations, 57 all-region honors and 31 All-America accolades over the last 15 seasons.
O'Brien's 2017 team produced the greatest season in program history. The Generals set a program record for wins (19) that season, while advancing to the National Semifinals for the first time in program history. W&L limited its opponents to just 4.1 goals per game in 2017. W&L then equaled the program record of 19 wins again in 2022, with its 12th straight ODAC title, and advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals for the third time in program history.
O'Brien was named the ODAC Coach of the Year nine times in her 15 seasons, while earning IWLCA Chesapeake Region Coach of the Year honors twice. Her .786 winning percentage currently ranks 16th in Division III women's lacrosse history, and her 221 wins are the 10th most among coaches with at least a .786 winning percentage.
"Brooke gave a lot of herself to make our campus a better place and we are better for it," continued Hathorn. "We are at once sad to see Brooke leave, and so proud that she was chosen to lead her alma mater, which allows her and her family to return to their home area. It is with deepest respect that we wish her and her family all the best."
"It is most difficult to leave the driven, talented, and well-rounded women of our Generals Lacrosse program (both current student-athletes, and alumnae)," remarked O'Brien. "I could not be prouder of these incredible women and what we have created and accomplished on and off the field. They have helped me to grow and develop as a coach and as a person – I will miss them and their supportive families dearly. I wish this special program nothing but the best in the future."
A national search for a new head women's lacrosse coach will begin immediately.
