Saint Martin’s University announces the passing of Director of Athletics Steve O’Brien

Steve O'Brien, JD, Director of Athletics at Saint Martin's University, passed away on August 5, 2024, due to complications from Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS). O'Brien joined Saint Martin's on October 8, 2022, with his wife and two sons. As Director of Athletics, he led thirteen NCAA Division II athletic programs and provided visionary leadership, strategic planning, and policy development for the department.

President Bill Brownsberger, S.T.D., said, "I had been looking forward to working with Steve long before my arrival at Saint Martin's, and he exceeded all of my expectations. I was privileged to have even a few weeks to get to know him as a friend." 

During his tenure, O'Brien elevated Saints Athletics to new heights, leaving a lasting legacy of community, team, and fan engagement. He launched the "Basketball for All" initiative, which established new community engagement events for men's and women's basketball, attracting more fans to the Marcus Pavilion. O'Brien also created the Farrelli's Courtside Club, showcasing partnerships with corporate sponsors and alumni. This special courtside experience led to an expanded partnership with Farrelli's Pizza, which became the Premier Partner of Saints Athletics. He also brought in new corporate partners like Sophie's Scoops and the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Olympia to support student-athletes. Additionally, he created the "Legion" to engage the growing student fan base and instill a sense of University pride in its sports teams. 

Under O'Brien's leadership, Saints Athletics programs achieved great success: 

2023-24 Saints Athletics Achievements: 

• Softball qualified for the NCAA Tournament 

• Cassidy Walchak Sloan earned All-American honors at the NCAA Women's Cross-Country championships, placing 27th out of 264 

• Won the 2023-24 GNAC Academic All-Sports Trophy (overall, men's, and women's titles) 

• Kyle Greely (Men's Basketball) was selected to the National Association of Basketball Coaches All-Star team 

2022-23 Saints Athletics Achievements: 

• Men's Basketball won the Regular Season GNAC Championship (#1 seed in the tournament) 

• Women's Cross Country achieved a 2nd place GNAC finish (highest ever) 

The Saint Martin's community asks that you keep O'Brien's family in your thoughts and prayers.