Mat O’Brien is starting his fifth year as an assistant coach. He joined the coaching staff at Macalester with an impressive resume. Mat brings head coaching experience to the program after compiling a 65-23 record at Cotter High School in Winona, MN earning Section 1A Coach of the Year honors after the 2006 and 2008 seasons.
During his three year tenure at Cotter, O’Brien led the team to state tournament appearances in 2006 and 2008, finishing third both times. O’Brien also served as an assistant coach at the University of St. Thomas during the team’s 2009 national championship run.
While in college, O’Brien earned a double major with degrees in Teaching and Community Health, all while pitching for four years on the baseball at Winona State University. He was elected team captain during his senior season. His prep career at Cotter High School included all-state honorable mention honors in football. He was named Winona Daily News Football Player of the Year. He is a member of the Winona Cotter Athletic Hall of Fame.
Mat earned a Masters in Education and Applied Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport and Science at the University of Minnesota. He is currently a teacher in the Minneapolis Public Schools. Mat and his wife Kristie have a 10 year old daughter Alana, and a three year old son Moses.
