Michele O'Brien

Michele O'Brien (born 28 June 1980) is a soccer coach and former player who played as a forward. Born in the United States, she gained over 50 caps for the Republic of Ireland national team.

College career O'Brien played varsity soccer during four seasons at Florida International University. She remains the program's all–time record goalscorer.

Club career In 2000 O'Brien started playing for the Long Island Lady Riders. She remained with them until 2007, with a spell at Arsenal in 2003. During her time at the English club, she played in the Women's Premier League and the semi–final of the UEFA Women's Cup.

In 2007 O'Brien joined the Damallsvenskan club QBIK. In 2010, she scored one goal in three games for the Red Eleven.

International career O'Brien debuted for the Republic of Ireland in 2003 and went on to accumulate more than 50 caps.

Coaching career O'Brien coached soccer at New York University (2004–2005) and Columbia University (2005–2007).

Personal life Born with a congenital heart defect, in 1995 O'Brien suffered a heart attack after a High School P.E. lesson and required open heart surgery. She refused to quit soccer, reportedly telling her concerned parent: "Mom, I might as well die doing something I like".