Whether she’s gearing up for a game or grinding through the off-season, she brings a consistent level of play, making her stand out long before the first whistle.
For O’Brien, it began six years ago, when her uncle mentioned the sport to her dad. That simple conversation set everything in motion. From the moment she picked up a lacrosse stick, she’s been all-in. The sport is now a constant in her life.
Even when the season ends, there is no slowing down for O’Brien. Her off-season is packed with club practices, camps, showcases and hours of individual training. Practicing her passes against a wall, shooting reps and time in the gym have become part of her routine, with focus on enhancing the consistency she always carries with her to the field.
“I play here at Eagle. This will be my second year… I am currently playing with a new club team,” O’Brien said. With dedication to both the school’s team and to her club team, Vegas Strong, lacrosse is a year-round commitment for her. It reflects how seriously she takes her development and how determined she is to keep elevating her game as a midfielder.
Because of her position on the field, O’Brien is used to being everywhere at once. The position demands stamina, awareness and the ability to shift from offense to defense in an instant—qualities she’s grown and sharpened over the years. She approaches her role with steady confidence, understanding that the midfield is where momentum is built. It’s a responsibility she doesn’t take lightly—one that shaped her into a versatile, solid presence for her teammates.
If there’s anything O’Brien has learned through lacrosse, it’s the importance of her team. They’re there for the big plays, the fumbles and everything in between.
“…Teammates are your second family,” O’Brien said. That special bond she shares with her team has shaped her not only as an athlete, but as a person. Being surrounded by teammates who rely on her has taught her accountability. It’s a lesson she carries into every season, game and practice, knowing she’s part of something bigger than herself.
Looking ahead, O’Brien’s ambitions stretch far beyond high school. She hopes to continue her lacrosse career at the collegiate level, playing for Clemson University, maybe even playing professionally one day. That vision fuels her through long practices, busy travel schedules and the constant push to improve. For O’Brien, each season feels like another step towards the future she’s chasing: one built on the same dedication and love for the game that has carried her thus far.
For now, though, O’Brien is focused on the present. And with her work ethic, it’s clear she is building something that will last well beyond her time at Eagle High. Whether she’s sprinting down the midfield or putting in wallball reps during the off-season, O’Brien plays with the certainty of someone who knows exactly where she’s headed. She’s determined to prove her talent to the world.
