Shoreline Welcomes Rory O'Connor as New Head Women's Soccer Coach
SHORELINE, Wash. – Shoreline Community College is excited to announce the appointment of Rory O'Connor as the new head coach for the women's soccer team. Coach O'Connor brings over 20 years of experience in sports, spanning youth, college, and semi-professional levels, along with a proven track record in leading successful programs.
Born in Ireland, O'Connor has played and coached at youth academy, senior, and college levels in Ireland and the UK before moving to the United States. In the U.S., Rory has successfully fused European and American soccer styles to achieve outstanding results. As a coach, he has consistently guided his teams to success in leagues, tournaments, and conferences while quickly revitalizing struggling programs. His teams are deeply rooted in their communities, strongly emphasizing culture, character, and collaboration.
O'Connor has had the privilege of working with and learning from legendary coaches, including Frans Hoek and Tony Waiters. He holds numerous prestigious certifications, including the NSCAA/USC Premier Diploma, Director of Coaching Diploma, and USSF B License. Academically, O'Connor has excelled, earning a bachelor's degree in Sports Management (summa cum laude) and a master's degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University Irvine, where he achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA.
O'Connor is dedicated to revitalizing the Shoreline soccer program, aiming to transform it into a powerhouse that provides talented female soccer players with opportunities to excel both on the field and in the classroom. His vision includes creating a pathway for players to pursue further education and gain visibility with four-year schools, should they choose to continue their soccer and academic journeys.
"It's important to keep learning throughout life—not only to enhance our ability to serve our communities but also to expand our opportunities and increase our earning potential," Rory emphasizes.
"We are thrilled to have Coach Rory join our team," said Cameron Dollar, Athletic Director. "His extensive experience and innovative approach to coaching will undoubtedly elevate our women's soccer program. We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on our student-athletes both on and off the field."