Michele O'Brien


Michele O'Brien is a soccer striker who plays for the W-League club Chicago Red Eleven. Since making her debut for the Republic of Ireland women's national football team in 2003, she has gained over 50 caps.

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, O'Brien 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. She then spent time back in England with Watford Ladies, before joining Jersey Sky Blue for the 2008 W-League season. The following season O'Brien moved to Chicago Red Eleven and scored four goals in 11 games in 2009. 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. In 2005 O'Brien was named the FAI Player of the Year.

Coaching career

O'Brien coached soccer at New York University and Columbia University. She was named assistant soccer coach at DePaul University in February 2009.

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".