ITHACA, N.Y. -- The Cornell women's lacrosse team has added Ashley O'Brien, as its Director of Operations and Acting Assistant Coach, it was announced today by Jenny Graap, the Karin Bain Kukral '82 Head Coach of Women's Lacrosse. O'Brien joins the Big Red from Canisius University, where she was an assistant coach of the Golden Griffins.

At Canisius, O'Brien assisted with the creation of practice plans and workouts, specializing in defense and goalie training. She also helped coordinate team fundraisers, monitored student-athlete academic progress, and assisted in team administration duties. Her contributions also included coaching two first-team all-conference selections and three all-rookie team members.

O'Brien also brings head coaching experience to the Big Red, most recently at the helm of Division III Buffalo State from 2018-22. O'Brien amassed 25 wins for the Bengals and two consecutive quarterfinal appearances in the SUNYAC Tournament in 2018 and 2019. She was also the university student-athlete advisory committee staff liaison and the SUNYAC chair for women's lacrosse.

"Ashley's collegiate coaching and playing experience will allow her to hit the ground running with our Big Red program," Graap said. "We have three amazing goalkeepers who will greatly benefit from OB's specific knowledge about their position. OB will be an excellent complement to our staff, and I am confident that our squad will sense her passion and commitment immediately."

As a player, O'Brien was a four-year starter between the pipes for Buffalo State from 2008-11, earning three student-athlete awards at the school. The two-time All-SUNYAC first team selection helped guide the Bengals to their winningest season in program history in 2009 (16-2) and an appearance in the SUNYAC Finals. The team finished their season ranked 19 in Division III.
O'Brien graduated from Buffalo State with a degree in Psychology in 2012 before returning to earn her master's in Biology in 2020.

"I am beyond excited to join the athletic department and women's lacrosse staff here at Cornell," O'Brien said. "I am looking forward to learning from and collaborating with a group of such dedicated and knowledgeable coaches and players. Cornell University is a special place filled with hardworking individuals that care deeply about the institution, and I cannot wait to contribute."