New Head Coach Recommended For Westlake Girls Program

WESTLAKE, OH — Dan O'Brien has been recommended for head girls soccer coach of the Westlake Lady Demon soccer program.

O'Brien was recommended by Tony Cipollone, director of athletics for the Westlake Schools. The Board of Education will vote on O'Brien's hiring at a future meeting.

If hired, O'Brien would be a familiar face to many in the Lady Demon program. He was an assistant coach from 2014 to 2017, serving under Scott Jones. During his run as assistant coach, the Lady Demons won the SWC title twice, were in the OHSAA District Finals twice and the OHSAA District Semifinals twice.

“We are excited about the direction of the program under Coach O’Brien as we move into the Great Lakes Conference next season. Dan has the right combination of experience and familiarity of our program and the expectations that we have for it. His passion for Westlake showed through in his interview process as well as his organizational skills. We know that he will give it his all for his hometown," Cipollone said in a statement on the district's website.

In 2018, O'Brien became head coach of the Vermilion High School program. He was named the Coach of the Year in both 2019 and 2020 by the Lorain County Coaches Association.

“While Vermilion High School and the Lady Sailors will always hold a special place in my heart. The relationships and experiences will not be forgotten," O'Brien said. "I am thrilled to be returning to the Lady Demons program as the girls’ head coach.”

O'Brien has also coached at the club level and has mentored multiple players who have matured at the collegiate level. He holds a USSF National C License, a USYSA Youth License and a United Soccer Coaches High School Coaching Diploma.

"I look forward to meeting players currently in the high school program, the Westlake grassroots youth players, and the current 8th grade players who will soon be future Lady Demons. I am excited about the opportunities and challenges awaiting the team in the highly competitive Great Lakes Conference. Go Demons!" O'Brien said.