BOSTON – Suffolk University Athletics is pleased to announce the elevation of Sam O'Brien to Head Athletic trainer, Director of Athletics Cary McConnell unveiled. 

O'Brien joined Ram Nation as an Athletic Trainer in August 2021 and served as Interim Head Athletic trainer since February 2023 prior to the promotion. 

"Sam's dedication, hard work and valuable contributions to the athletic department have been instrumental in our continued effort to offer optimal healthcare to our student-athletes," McConnell said. 

"I am very excited to be taking on the role of Head Athletic Trainer at Suffolk," O'Brien said. "I would like to thank our Director of Athletics Cary Mcconnell, and the rest of the Suffolk community for giving me this leadership opportunity. I am grateful and eager to continue the strong tradition of health care while pushing it to new heights to benefit our student-athlete population." 

Prior to coming to Beacon Hill, O'Brien worked at Dean College, where he served as the Assistant Athletic Trainer from 2017-21. Over three years with the Bulldogs, he aided in the daily coverage of Dean's 16 varsity teams and held responsibilities in the strength and conditioning program.

O'Brien got his collegiate athletic training experience underway at the University of South Carolina, where he obtained his Master of Science in Physical Education with an emphasis in Athletic Training in 2014. As a graduate assistant, he covered the Gamecocks football and men's hockey teams, along with campus recreation and club sports.  

His resume features stints with prestigious baseball programs such as the Columbia Blowfish, the Bourne Braves of the Cape Cod Baseball League and Lynnfield High School.   

The 2012 graduate of Springfield with a Bachelor's in a Athletic Training is a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) and Eastern Athletic Trainers Association (EATA).