The Exeter Athletics Department has announced Sean O’Brien as the newest head coach of the Big Red boys hockey program and Instructor in the Physical Education Department.
"I would like to thank Jason Baseden and the entire department for having faith in me to join the physical education department and take over the leadership of the boys' hockey program,” said O’Brien. “My family and I are ecstatic to join the Exeter community. The combination of Exeter's academic and athletic success along with its' nostalgic history make this a one-of-a-kind opportunity and I am thrilled to be joining Big Red."
A native of Boston, Massachusetts, O’Brien brings with him a wealth of experience across professional, collegiate, prep school, junior, and club hockey.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Sean to our physical education department and boys hockey program,” said Director of Physical Education and Athletics Jason Baseden. “Sean brings a wealth of coaching experience at multiple levels, giving him a unique and comprehensive perspective on the game. He has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student-athletes, not only developing their skills on the ice but also fostering their growth as individuals. His passion, leadership, and ability to connect with students will have a lasting impact on our community, extending well beyond the hockey rink. We are excited to have Sean and his family join the Exeter family.”
Most recently, O’Brien oversaw all of the amateur hockey operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite organization as an employee of the Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL), including Excel the Hockey Academy and Sports Performance programs at UPMC Lemieux.
Prior to the Penguins, O'Brien was the head coach of the boys varsity hockey team and served as the Assistant Athletic Director of The Hill School in Pottstown, PA. Prior to Hill, O'Brien served as Director of Hockey Operations at Harvard University, where he managed the day-to-day operations of both the men's and women's hockey programs.
O’Brien started his career in hockey as an NHL Scout with the Florida Panthers. He then served as Vice President of LEGACY Global Sports / Selects Hockey and continued as President/GM of the Portland Junior Pirates junior hockey organization in Maine.
O’Brien is a graduate of New England College with a degree in Business Administration, where he served as Captain of the hockey team, and he earned a Juris Doctorate degree from the Massachusetts School of Law.
