Boston, Mass. (December 15, 2025) — The University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston) Department of Athletics and Recreation is pleased to announce the appointment of Katie O'Brien as Assistant Director for Sport Performance. O'Brien will serve as a key member of the university's Holistic Performance Team and will support the advancement of an integrated, data-informed approach to student-athlete health, development, and performance.
O'Brien joins UMass Boston with extensive experience in collegiate strength and conditioning, sport science application, and performance operations. Most recently, she served as the Director of Athletic Performance at Bentley University, where she oversaw strength and conditioning initiatives for 20 NCAA Division I and II athletic programs. She led comprehensive performance programming for women's basketball, women's soccer, volleyball, and softball; implemented advanced monitoring systems including velocity-based training, jump testing technologies, and Catapult GPS; and supervised graduate fellows and interns to ensure consistent, high-level support across teams. Her experience also includes close collaboration with sports medicine professionals and sport coaches to align training strategies with competitive, developmental, and recovery goals.
Since 2020, O'Brien has also served as Director of Operations at Athletic Evolution Sports Performance & Rehabilitation, where she managed operations across two performance facilities, coordinated return-to-sport programming with physical therapy clinicians, conducted performance testing using force plates and velocity-based technologies, and supported NFL Combine preparation through individualized periodization and fatigue monitoring systems. She previously worked as an Exercise Technician at Rebound Physical Therapy and gained foundational experience as a student athletic trainer with UNH women's hockey, field hockey, and the Berwick Academy.
O'Brien holds a Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science from Merrimack College and a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from the University of New Hampshire. She is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and maintains certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Basic Life Support.
In her new role, O'Brien will develop and implement strength and conditioning programs for her assigned teams, oversee daily operations of the Dan Rea '70 Boston State College Varsity Training Facility, and play an integral role in advancing UMass Boston's Holistic Performance Program. The program aims to advance a unified, cross-collaborative performance team; deliver data-informed, athlete-centered care; and develop strategic partnerships that expand the university's performance and wellness resources.
O'Brien will join an established group of performance professionals, including Matt Hyde, Associate Athletic Director for Sport Performance & Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, and Ed Perkins, Assistant Director of Athletics for Sports Medicine and Sports Medicine Operations, alongside a team of athletic trainers, physicians, and external consultants who collectively support the health and performance needs of UMass Boston's student-athletes.
Statement from Katie O'Brien
"I'm thrilled to be joining the Sports Performance team at UMass Boston and for the opportunity to play a part in the Holistic Performance Program. The chance to collaborate across the entire athletic department and positively impact the development of student-athletes is something I am truly excited about."
Statement from Dr. Jacqueline Schuman, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics and Recreation
"Katie O'Brien brings an outstanding combination of experience, technical expertise, and student-centered philosophy," said Dr. Jacqueline Schuman, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics and Recreation. "Her background in both collegiate and high-performance settings aligns seamlessly with the goals of our Holistic Performance Program. We are confident that her leadership and collaborative approach will significantly enhance the performance, well-being, and overall experience of our student-athletes."
